Robin Trower – What Lies Beneath (V-12 Records) *****

Sometimes you pick up a release by an artist you never paid much attention to in the past, and the music just slowly overpowers you. Such is the case with What Lies Beneath. Trower is no new comer in the world of music. From his beginning with Procol Harum he was regarded as a very skilled player.

What Lies beneath is an incredibly fresh sounding album. It is difficult to believe it was made by a man who’s been making records for the last 30 some years. The music however speaks for itself, and there is no denying this release is absolutely fantastic. The songs are rather laid back, but flow with great emotion. It’s as if the harmony of one’s soul was made into notes, and played on guitar.

From the opening Wish You Were Mine, Trower just let’s the energy flow. There are plenty great tracks on this album. It is difficult to individualize any as they create a great infusion of music as a whole. Songs like Sleeping on The Moon, Once the Spell Is Broken, or the closing Find a Place are absolutely superb. But, it’s difficult to imagine these tracks without the rest of the songs.

What Lies Beneath is best prescribed in its entirety with repeated listens to follow. It’s one of those records you wish never ended. Trower delivered a true work of art with a delicate touch of soul.

Mark Kadzielawa