CAVETOWN is the moniker of bedroom-pop songwriter and producer Robbie Skinner, who launched his current tour in Dublin tonight. His music is, written, recorded, and released from his bedroom in Cambridge, England. He played a sold-out gig here in December and, having recently become a fan, I was determined to get tickets early for one of his two shows at the Academy this month. These swiftly followed suit of his first show and sold out.
Robbie’s introverted, gentle songs communicate a fragile yet purposeful sentiment and it was difficult to know how well the songs would translate to a live setting. CAVETOWN brought the homely feel of his bedroom-produced songs excellently to the stage. On a couch sat his teddy bear mascot, named Sheriff Patrick, and the stage was adorned with warmly lit lamps. His cosy choice of setting made the cold February night of his concert feel warm, which was strengthened by his performance ‘Things that Make it Warm.’ Another standout song of the night, ‘Talk To Me,’ perfectly imparts an vital message in his music: the importance of sharing your problems when you are feeling down, or of reaching out to a friend who is struggling.
This theme of compassion is a cornerstone of Robbie’s artistic vision, and is a powerful, positive message that he sends to his young, pre- and early-teenage fans. The atmosphere at the gig was overwhelmingly one of positivity, acceptance, and understanding which is starkly in contrast to the conservatism and fear currently being fostered in the political world. As in generations past, the youth are latching onto a message in music and art that is sharply opposed to the current political climate, and it appears to me as though the older generation have much to learn from this young generation about acceptance of others for who they are.
CAVETOWN's music imparts a level of empathy and humanity which vastly transcend his mere 21-year existence. Not only is he emotionally intelligent, his music also demonstrates a profound musical intellect. His songs are often deceptively complex; a song which begins with a delicate ukulele accompanying his subdued voice can erupt into a deluge of overdubbed backing vocals, string arrangements, and dazzling synths or impactful guitar solos. Discrete, considerately-placed atypical chords amongst in several songs also betray his wealth of musical competence. This deliberate, slow build in arrangement can be seen in the poignant indie-rock ballad ‘Home,’ which he played to a deeply warm reception at the Academy tonight. In fact, all of his songs were met with deliriously excited screams from the audience.
CAVETOWN is touring with two musicians in his band. Austin Thomas, a multi-instrumentalist who jumps between electric guitar, synth, and bass, and Mia Hughes on drums, who played live with Robbie for the first time tonight. Each musician brought a wealth of musicality and mastery to the set which supported Robbie’s performance well and presented his compositions in a faithful way. Austin also performed a support slot under the stage name spookyghostboy as did Chloe Moriondo, a regular collaborator with Robbie. Both sets complimented CAVETOWN’s music eloquently. Interestingly, Robbie is touring with support from Irish artist Orla Gartland on some later dates on the tour.
Two songs from his upcoming album were played on the night, and both were met with delight from the crowd, as was a recently released single called ‘Sweet Tooth.’ Robbie remarked that this was his first time playing the single live, but it sounded just as polished and professional as any other song in his set. CAVETOWN is an artist of nuanced songwriting talent and varied musical ability who will undoubtedly continue in future to grow (just add water).
CAVETOWN releases his new album ‘Sleepyhead’ on 27th March 2020, and is playing a second sold-out show in Dublin at the Academy tomorrow, 21st February 2020. You can preorder 'Sleepyhead' here.