SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ROBIN GUTHRIE - RIVIERA

Robin Guthrie
Riviera
Soleil Après Minuit

Robin Guthrie, the mastermind behind the ethereal post punk band Cocteau Twins, has returned for his third release of the year, Riviera. Although fans of Cocteau Twins may be looking for a similar sound in Guthrie’s new releases, this is not entirely the case. Stepping away from haunting gothic theatrics that were a key element for the band, Guthrie’s music leans more towards ambient instrumentals and chill out tunes.

Riviera is the kind of music you want for a laid-back relaxed day. The tracks on this EP will fit seamlessly into any chill out mix and is just what you need to ease the mind and settle into a cozy day in or a leisurely drive. Whatever it is you do to relax, these new tracks will add to that.

“Starfish Prime” kicks off this mini set with a light and uplifting vibe. If you wake up to this, it’s sure to start your day off right. Following that is “815” which is more introspective and meditative, then “Revue” comes in to lift the mood back up again. Rising and falling in tempo and theme, “The Empress” closes off the set in a track that drifts and flows slowly like smoke. It is soft and languid; dream-like even and a definite standout.

If you’re looking for new music to relieve the end of year chaos on an already hectic year, Riviera is sure to offer that temporary reprieve.

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SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ROBIN GUTHRIE – RIVIERA

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Samantha Wu

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album review, album reviews, riviera, robin guthrie, soleil après minuit, starfish prime, the cocteau twins

About the Author

Samantha Wu

Samantha is both a writer and a fan of the arts and has been able to find numerous ways to pair the two. Eager to dive head first into writing for Spill, Samantha is an avid partaker and reviewer of live art in Toronto serving as an editor at Mooney on Theatre exploring live local theatre, she's a photojournalist for Go Globehopper, a travel, dining and tourism blog that focuses on Toronto and abroad and previously for Lithium Magazine. She's passionate about music, theatre, photography, and writing -- not necessarily in that order. She drinks tea more than coffee, prefers ciders over beers, and sings karaoke way too loudly. You can follow her on various social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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