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ROBIN BECK
Underneath

HMMR / Cargo (2013)
Rating: 7.5/10

It’s been two years since Robin Beck’s 2011 The Great Escape opus, but Underneath is another dose of lightweight rock that features that customary pop-tinged melody and Beck’s subtle, yet powerful voice.

The album opens with the crystal clear croons of ‘Wrecking Ball’ – a classy piece of middle of the road melodic pomp which features a gutsy guitar and drum drive, made all the more fiery by Robin Beck’s tones which drift between honey-filled harmony and a grittier bite as the song progresses.

The steely stomp continues with the buzzing riff of ‘Ain’t That Just Like Love’, another simple yet effective rocker as Beck sighs, “I want to let you go, but I hold on tight” which leads to a catchy, mid-tempo chorus that yelps of power ballad warmth and a heartier twang.

Next we’re introduced to the brooding strains of ‘Sprain’ which is contradicted by the moving title track, a piano-led soul searcher where Robin Beck gets up close and personal, and seems to be digging deep into her past. The strings on ‘Underneath’ are sweeping and it’s the pivotal track on the opus that becomes littered with guitar strains.

Those eager for more punch will no doubt find delight in the sprightly jaunt of ‘Catfight’; a scratchy little number that rocks hard but also adopts a Beatles-styled merriment with some of its instrumentation.

‘Check Your Attitude’, ‘Perfect Storm’ (which features a killer brooding riff) and ‘Ya Can’t Fight Love’ are all pop-rock winners. But hidden within those upbeat workouts are such gems as ‘Burnin’ Me Down’, with its wistful piano, and the gorgeous swirls of ‘I Swear The Nights’, which simmers reminiscent of Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ before building as a heart-warming power ballad featuring rather formulaic yet welcoming structures.

The album closes with the vibrant ‘Follow Me’ rounding of a decent 11-track record that Robin Beck can most certainly be proud of. Underneath boasts the type of sound and attitude that should bring in more fans, especially those who have a penchant for melodic rock that is chart friendly.

Some may argue that there is a dated and generic air about this opus, but with the crisp production of husband James Christian (House Of Lords) – who also features on the opus alongside their daughter Liv Beck – there is a homely feel about the Brooklyn-born singer’s ninth platter. I’m all for this type of accessible rock music if it’s done right and Robin Beck has stuck with a tried and tested formula and comes up trumps again.

Neil Arnold

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