SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ROBIN GUTHRIE – MOCKINGBIRD LOVE

Robin Guthrie
Mockingbird Love
Soleil Après Minuit

The Cocteau Twins called it a day in 1997, since then, Robin Guthrie has been very busy carving out his own distinct solo career. Mockingbird Love is his latest EP and it is quite glorious.

It is significant to note that this is the first new music from Guthrie since 2020’s Another Flower, which was a  collaboration with Harold Budd, released just days prior to Budd’s passing. In many ways he picks up where he left off, which in and itself is a wonderful tribute to Budd. Mockingbird Love is a beautiful, melodic, ambient EP that consists of four incredible instrumental tracks that blend into one another with great ease. And yet, each song is distinctly different.

Mockingbird Love opens with the incredibly and indescribably beautiful “Copper”. Guthrie layers sound and by doing so creates not only a mood but also emotion. Not afraid to use space and silence, it is a great example of his ability to utilize space and still create a stirring melody. He does the same in “Love And At War”, in which his piano is forefront over a sweeping backdrop.

He saves the best for last with the “My Courtesan”, which combines guitar with piano to create an atmospheric and suitable conclusion. In many ways it is reminiscent of Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack work. Guthrie’s guitar has never sounded better or with more emotion. It is, quite simply, wonderful.

Mockingbird Love is the first of three promised EPs which are scheduled to be released in November and December. Given the high quality here, one cannot but look forward to more new music from this artist.  Guthrie has grown a great deal since The Cocteau Twins split, and this is very evident. There is some of his trademark sound from The Cocteau Twins days, but this is an artist who is using silence and layering to full effect.

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