What's Happening?
Robbie Bennett, the keyboardist for The War on Drugs, is set to release two new solo albums, 'Steloken' and 'Circulation,' on December 11 via American Dreams. These two albums will add a total of 29 new tracks to his solo discography. Bennett has already
shared two tracks from the upcoming releases: 'Sister' from 'Steloken' and 'The Light on Your Face' from 'Circulation.' Both albums follow his 2020 solo debut, 'Permanent World.' Bennett utilized the same keyboard he plays with The War on Drugs for these new recordings, employing a unique method of sending MIDI from an acoustic player piano into an Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizer to allow both instruments to play simultaneously. He also incorporated layers of Fender Rhodes, vocoder, and a Soma Terra synthesizer into the compositions. Bennett recently featured on The War on Drugs' first new song since 2022, 'Who’s That.'
Why It's Important?
The release of two new solo albums from Robbie Bennett is significant for fans of The War on Drugs and instrumental music, offering a deeper insight into the individual artistic contributions of a key band member. Bennett's unique approach to composition, blending traditional piano with advanced synthesizers like the Oberheim OB-X8 and Soma Terra, showcases his innovative musicality and technical prowess. This project allows him to explore sonic landscapes that may differ from his work within the band, providing a fresh perspective on his creative vision. For American Dreams, the independent label releasing the albums, this further solidifies its reputation for supporting diverse and experimental artists. The albums contribute to the broader landscape of contemporary instrumental music, potentially influencing other musicians to explore similar hybrid approaches to sound creation.
What's Next?
With the release of 'Steloken' and 'Circulation' on December 11, listeners will have the opportunity to delve into Robbie Bennett's extensive new body of work. Music critics and fans will likely analyze how these solo efforts compare to his contributions to The War on Drugs and his previous solo album. The unique instrumentation and compositional techniques employed by Bennett may spark discussions within the music technology community. Depending on the reception, Bennett might embark on solo performances or tours to support the albums, offering a different live experience from his band engagements. This release could also pave the way for future solo projects or further collaborations, expanding his artistic footprint beyond his primary band role.
Beyond the Headlines
Robbie Bennett's decision to release two extensive solo albums simultaneously suggests a period of significant creative output and a desire to fully articulate his individual musical voice. His description of wanting the music to feel like 'walking through an unfamiliar place you want to keep exploring' hints at a deeply immersive and evolving sonic experience, moving beyond conventional song structures. The intricate layering of acoustic and electronic instruments, particularly the use of a player piano with a synthesizer, speaks to a fascinating dialogue between tradition and innovation in music production. This approach not only highlights technological advancements in music but also reflects a broader artistic trend of blending organic and synthetic sounds to create rich, textured soundscapes. His work contributes to the ongoing evolution of ambient and experimental rock, demonstrating how individual artists within established bands can cultivate distinct and compelling parallel careers.
