Robbie Stokes expands his sound on impressive EP, "Mixed Signals"
Expanding on all the elements that we adored on his last record, Robbie Stokes has made his return with a new EP, Mixed Signals. We are loving it! Do yourselves a favor and read on as we break down the album, in addition to an update on this talented artist.
Following up on 2021’s LOVER BOY which was an instant classic in our eyes, Robbie Stokes has been working tirelessly on his newest EP Mixed Signals that has simply surpassed all expectations. Relatively short in length but incredibly impactful in its sonic elements and always clever storytelling, it has propelled his sound from what we last experienced and pivoted to something even greater. If this happens to be your introduction to his music, we sincerely recommend you start here and work your way backwards.
Stylistically split down in the middle from its four tracks, Mixed Signals starts off detailing love songs and then shifts over to the downfall of breakups. The constant of it all is that Robbie has still managed to create this upbeat and vibrant world that still projects positivity regardless of the messaging. Of course you start out on the upswing of love with tracks like “She’s A Mystery” and “Eyes For You”, but relationships are hardly ever perfect, which gets a look in the back half.
Taking inspiration from some of the greats like Paul McCartney’s solo work and Elton John, Robbie is still making music like no other artist we can name nowadays. The cuteness and playfulness is right up at the forefront, but like any great musician, it’s juxtaposed with different themes and contextual clues through the words. At just about 12 minutes in length, there’s something about it that feels a lot more immediate than LOVER BOY. Robbie did mention the expansion in sound all the while holding onto glimmers of the past, but even the instrumentation is a lot more refined than the former record. The cohesiveness has stayed and potentially even immersed the listener more due to similarities between songs, even though it audibly takes it down a notch on the “sadder” songs.
Whatever label you’d like to put on this or even trying to pick a genre is pointless because it’s wholly unique to itself. Robbie Stokes has certainly done it again and we’re thrilled for everyone to get listening. Go ahead and please check out those links below to listen, follow along, and of course to keep up with more on the way.
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