Written By: Sophia Ciraldo
Robbie Skinner (Cavetown) is a singer-songwriter who writes indie/bedroom-pop music. I’ve followed his career for six years and was lucky enough to see him perform live in 2021. Over that period, he has released three albums, four EPs, and a handful of singles. His latest EP “little vice” dropped in late February and his fans (including me) were very excited about it.
Track 1: obvious
Robbie’s tracklist starts strong with “obvious”. Much like his previous album “worm food”, he experiments with digital vocal effects which give the music a more electronic feel. This song touches on the desire for people to notice his pain. The chorus repeats “Haven’t been myself, is it obvious?” The EP art includes different kinds of machinery which might allude to a robotic inner state. It’s an interesting departure from Cavetown’s usual nature themes.
Track 2: alone
“alone” has the most views out of the EP possibly due to its intriguing music video inspired by Spongebob episode ‘Karate Choppers’. I could go in-depth about the parallels between this song and the episode, but the basic premise is Robbie dressed up as Squidward in the void of the freezer. There is a common thread of loneliness throughout the EP, but especially in this track. He sings, “Thought I was better alone/ Didn’t see people a lot/ Now I’m the walls of a room/ Now I’m the hands of a clock”. This song particularly surprised fans because it deviates from his normal genre with a soft rap section.
Track 3: let them know they’re on your mind
This upbeat tune is definitely the catchiest of the five. The music style gives early 2000’s vibes which creates a nostalgic listening experience. LTKTOYM follows the EP’s lonely theme as it is a call for connection. Robbie says, “Sorry I’m a little insane when I’m lonely”. It also includes the EP title drop, “Light a cigarette, you’re allowed a little vice”.
Track 4: the back of the moon
“the back of the moon” begins with a piano melody and echoey effects that evoke the feeling of drifting in outer space. This song is short and sweet, clocking in at only two minutes and 45 seconds. Fun fact: it’s inspired by a video game and Robbie wrote it in the POV of a mother deer singing a lullaby to her baby.
Track 5: glacier meadow
This is the simplest song of the EP and quite possibly my favorite. ¾’s of it is made up of the same couplet, “I decided to turn my affection/ Towards you.” This affection can viscerally be felt through the gentle strumming and beautiful minor 7th chords. It is more reminiscent of Cavetown’s older work since it was written before the pandemic with fellow artist, Field Medic. A music video accompanies the song with a woman freestyle dancing by herself in a white room. It’s the perfect way to close out this incredible EP.
I encourage you to give it a listen. Believe me, it will be a great 15 minutes of your time!