J. Robert Youngtown is pleased to release ‘Maybe Tomorrow,’ the first song to be lifted from his forthcoming 10-song debut album ‘Moderate Aspects.’
The Tasmanian artist formerly known as James Dilger (front man for The Reactions and power-pop trio Sole Stickers), has now amassed something of a supergroup, featuring You Am I drummer Rusty Hopkinson, The Posies’ singer & songwriter Jon Auer and Redd Kross/OFF! bassist Steven McDonald. This feat is even more impressive considering his legendary reclusiveness and geographical isolation.
“‘Maybe Tomorrow’ is either a song about optimism or resignation. I’m still undecided. 24 hours prior to hitting the record button it was a completely different tune aside from the vocal melody. Producer Tim Kevin turned the demo arrangement and rhythm accompaniment on its head and it became something much more exciting. The outro evolved spontaneously with Tim, Rusty and myself just jamming out ideas in what my mind equated to a jangly pop ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.’ Jon then overdubbed those bittersweet harmonies and some dreamy backwards guitar and it was complete” said J. Robert.
J. Robert has combined bits and pieces from the unique sonic universe he inhabits in creating ‘Moderate Aspects‘ and he’s very pleased to reveal the first video clip from the album. Check out the debut surrealist pop/rock synthesis single here:
The album zigzags through a Britpop and 90’s power-pop charged musical path, mining that rich terrain and throws in a few thoughtful and intriguing oddities for good measure. Combining a deep love of four chord rock and majestic jangly pop ballads, ‘Moderate Aspects’ is filled with alluring melodies and rich aural textures paying homage to the indomitable guitar.
As a member of The Reactions, Sole Stickers or the intermittently solo act, James has supported a plethora of music industry personalities such as The Black Keys, The White Stripes, The Living End, Evan Dando, The Dirtbombs, Hoodoo Gurus, The Drones, Hard-Ons and many, many more.
‘Moderate Aspects’ will be released on 21 April via Hobart label Tommy Gun Records and launch dates will follow in capitol cities in May/June 2014.
Check out J. Robert Youngtown on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/youngtownmusic
This project was assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.