Lonely Robot – A Model Life
Lonely Robot – A Model Life
Inside Out Music
Release Date: 26/08/22
Running Time: 53:57
Review by Paul Hutchings
9/10
“Making “A Model Life” was very much a lifeline and indeed wakeup call at the end of a particularly personally challenging couple of years. Creating it made me realise that ultimately, life is impermanent and the one true thing that gives me a focus and anchor is and has always been music. Long may that be the case.” So says John Mitchell, main man behind Progressive artist Lonely Robot, whose latest album “A Model Life” can rightly stand alongside Marillion’s “An Hour Before Its Dark” and Porcupine Tree’s “Closure/Continuation” in the best of Progressive Rock for 2022.
Mitchell has featured in a plethora of Progressive and forward-thinking outfits, including It Bites, Frost*, Arena and Gandalf’s Fist, as well as with Lonely Robot, for who this is the fifth album in seven years. I was relatively late to the Lonely Robot party, not picking up on the quality of the beast until 2019’s “Under Stars.” 2020’s “Feelings Are Good” continued the interest and now we have another perfectly crafted and delivered album that leaves you gasping for breath at the sheer magnitude and scope of the record.
“A Model Life” features drummer Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson), Liam Holmes (Touchstone) on keyboards and bassist Steve Vantis (Fish). With such Prog alumni, you’d expect something a bit magical, and the quartet don’t let you down. Drawing on personal experiences, Lonely Robot’s latest runs for fifty-three minutes, with most tracks around the six-minute mark. This allows time for expansive soundscapes that sweep you along, the rich layers of music combining with Mitchell’s gorgeous warm vocals to sublime effect.
Although Mitchell’s delivery varies and is instantly distinguishable, there are some reference points which it’s impossible not to notice as the album progresses. Echoes of Peter Gabriel and Fish are among those who come to mind, whilst the music resonates with many of Lonely Robot’s peers. Flourishes of Hard Rock, flashes of Electro (‘The Island of Misfit Toys’) and introspective melancholic melody are all present. The title track is dark yet full of light, whilst ‘Digital God Machine’ is a take on the media police.
There’s the gentle interlude of ‘Mandalay’ which is short but reflective, and the song that mostly resonates with Fish’s current output. There’s nothing here which I can fault. Each track stands on its own, each weaves its own story, and each is delicately constructed. ‘Rain Kings’ features a simple loop which forms the backbone for the song, allowing it to develop and progress.
Mitchell’s guitar work is immense, simple, and effective yet devilishly detailed and intricate. Backed by such a stellar team, the music at times finds you catching your own breath in delight and awe.
“A Model Life” is everything you want in a Progressive Rock album. It’s quality on every level, a sonic experience that demands repeated plays. Beautifully constructed, it’s albums like this that remind you why Progressive Rock can be the most incredible of genres. A work of masterful perfection that should have you diving to discover more from this incredible set of musicians.
‘The Island Of misfit Toys’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Recalibrating
02. Digital God Machine
03. Species In Transition
04. Starlit Stardust
05. The Island Of Misfit Toys
06. A Model Life
07. Mandalay
08. Rain Kings
09. Duty Of Care
10. In Memoriam
LINE-UP:
John Mitchell – Guitars & Vocals
Craig Blundell – Drums
Liam Holmes – Keys
Steve Vantis – Bass
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Hutchings and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
