Robyn: The Rakamonie EP
By Rei Nishimoto
Sweden has produced pop music for decades like it grows on trees. It is surreal how one country is able to pump out so many artists that have been successful on an international level.
It has been over a decade since Robyn was last heard from Stateside. She was part of the teen pop phenomenon in the late 1990s, with hit songs like 'Do You Know (What It Takes)' and 'Show Me Love' from her Robyn Is Here CD became pop and dance chart toppers. Her powerful yet soulful voice stood out amongst the bouncy pop songs that usually produced out of the Swedish pop factory.
The Rakamonie EP is a reintroduction to her international fan base after going MIA for over a decade. She has been releasing music within Sweden, but very little has happened beyond those borders. But now, she is making up for lost time through this EP.
Her sound has evolved over the years, steering away from the slick pop sound that she was remembered for. The songs on here have greatly matured and will surprise those who are waiting more bubble gum pop-dance music. There is music on here that fans of pop, rock, and as far out as electronica could enjoy.
This EP features three newer songs, along with a couple of covers that is anything but expected. 'Konichiwa Bitches' is a reworked version from her 2005 release, but despite the Dave Chappelle catch phrase reference, this is as far as this song has to do with his. This single has hints of hip-hop and electronica, while Robyn shows off a hint of confidence behind her vocals. While names like Gwen Stefani jumps out as a possible comparison, this song does justice towards showcasing where Robyn's sound is heading.
Another side of her sound is found on 'With Every Heartbreat,' a song she collaborated with Swedish DJ Andreas Kleerup. This song was her big hit single in the UK and it would be no real surprise if the US makes a late surge lusting after this single as well.
This version is stripped down to a piano and her vocals. This song showcases more of her powerful vocal range and the variety she is able to add into her songs. But the skeleton of this single show that Robyn has grown as a singer and a performer since her early days.
The real surprise is her collaboration with Klas Ahlund of the rising rock/electronica outfit Teddybears. She covered Teddybears' hit single 'Cobrastyle,' which is a bold move for someone who has not been known to perform many crossover tunes throughout her career. Through collaborating with his, Robyn shows a different side of her music through adding more synth-driven sounds that is popular within the European dance scene. Plus she is showing different sides of her music and has very little chances of being viewed as a one dimensional artist.
Another surprise cover on here is her cover of Prince 'Jack U Off,' and how she transformed a popular pop/funk driven tune into a strictly piano song. Robyn found a unique way to make this song into her own without becoming trapped within the constraints of what listeners would expect her music to sound like. This song sounds is a fun song, played by someone who is finding the humor within the sexual innuendo within the lyrics, and placing her interpretation into the song. This song is purely to show Robyn having fun with the songs she performs and showing an edgy side in the meantime.
The Rakamonie EP definitely shows that Robyn has grown a lot during the decade long hiatus from the international music scene. She has come a long way from her early pop-dance days and has a lot to prove. Whenever she is ready to release her first internationally released full length recording, the world should be anxiously awaiting what she has coming.
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