Over four decades Robin Trower has cemented his reputation as one of the guitar greats. An artist who could easily rest on his laurels, Robin nonetheless continues to release new music with last year’s ‘something’s about to change’ being a particular delight amidst his impressive back catalogue. This new album, ‘where you are going to’ is a direct continuation of that album with Robin acknowledging that he only paused the recording process in order to go out on tour. Striking an introspective tone, ‘where you are going to’ sees Robin reflecting on an incredible life and career over ten varied tracks whilst two songs directly address the passing of Robin’s wife – ‘we will be together someday’ and ‘I’m holding on to you’. Emotional, honest and heartfelt, ‘Where you are going’ not only equals its predecessor, but actually improves upon it, once again highlighting the exceptional talent that Robin possesses.
Opening with the politically charged ‘when will the next blow fall’, a reaction to the tumultuous events that have taken place in Europe in the last twelve months, Robin gets things off to a flying start with grizzled guitar and warm, rich bass providing the backdrop for Robin’s heroic solos. The album’s title track heads off into Walter Trout territory, Robin and Walter sharing the same ability to make it feel like their music directly addresses the listener, digging deep to deliver solos that are wrenched straight from the soul. A beautiful, bluesy workout, ‘where you are going’ is a masterpiece of slow-burning charm and it is no surprise that Robin chose to name the album after it. A track with a funky swing, ‘Back where you belong’ is a brilliant track that will undoubtedly pack a powerful punch live, whilst Chris Taggart keeps things moving at a cracking pace on drums. A slower blues workout, ‘Jigsaw’ juxtaposes smooth vocals and gritty guitar for a late-night workout that feels tailor made for an evening sat alone at a bar, wreathed in smoke and soaked in whiskey, as you pour out your heart to a sympathetic bartender. Robin gets his funk on once again with ‘the fruits of your desire’, a track that for all the world sounds like a lost Red Hot Chilli Peppers anthem as Robin’s deft touches on the guitar underpin a gritty vocal that crackles with lascivious energy.
The album slows a touch for the heart breaking and tender ‘we will be together someday’, a glorious ode to Robin’s late wife. The subject maybe dark, yet Robin deals with it with great hope and dignity and the track proves to be a fitting and poignant tribute to a lost loved one. The tone brightens with the soulful blues of ‘Ain’t no use to worry’, a track that recalls Stephen Still’s recent outing with The Rides, whilst ‘in too deep’ proves to be a chrome-plated rocker that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Neil Young’s heavier records. A second tribute to Robin’s wife appears in the form of ‘I’m holding on to you’, although this time it’s a far bluesier outing that feels like a late-night take on ‘come together’ with tis sweet riff and warm, rich bass line. The album closes with ‘delusion sweet delusion’, a funky workout that crackles with energy and leaves the listener very much wanting more.
Robin Trower is a true master of the guitar. His gift is not purely technical, however. Like David Gilmour, Robert Cray or Eric Clapton, it is the spaces between the notes that mean almost as much as the notes themselves, and Robin’s greatest ability remains to make it feel like every song is addressed directly to the listener. Beautifully recorded by Livingstone Brown, ‘where you are going’ sees Robin remarkably eclipsing previous effort ‘something’s about to change’ and it’s hard to imagine the album not making it into numerous end of year lists. From the warm tones of his Fender Stratocaster to Chris Taggart’s wonderfully understated performance on the drums, every piece falls perfectly into place and not a moment is wasted. The sort of album that you’ll want to play over and again, ‘Where you are going to’ is a record to treasure.
