It’s been some time since we’ve heard from Australian artist Robbie Maroon, but we most definitely haven’t forgotten his prior release Dream Factory Volume Two – even three years later it still stands that the album is “Soothing. Comforting. Connecting. [And] damn likable.“
To our delight, this year Maroon is set to release another full length album – his third, titled Reckoning – and we’ve been treated to the first single leading up to it. CyberLovestory is a welcome reminder of the acessible, relatable writing that makes Maroon’s music so easy to fall in love with.
CyberLovestory is absolutely funky at its core. It has classic ’70s funk written all over every element of production, from the percussive bass to the choir-style harmonies (don’t miss the breakdown at 2:25 for an exemplary showing of this). But this is no doubt a hybrid of genres – the synths in particular bring a more modern pop influence into the fray. The vocals move us in another direction entirely – Maroon’s voice is warm, powerful, and soulful; a touch R&B in execution. But the blend of these distinctive sounds is addictive – it’s as fun and danceable as it is rich and musical. In fact, the quality of the music is at such a high level that you would never know that Maroon is a solo outfit in which he writes, composes, performs, and mixes all of his own work – and knowing this is stil the case only makes this track all the more impressive. (The single also features Talisha Karrer on vocals and Wagna Silva on guitar).
The story at the heart of this song is written for the current generation, no doubt. Addressing the realm of online dating, the song eludes to the new and unique challenges that dating in the age of the internet can present: “Online out there is the girl of my dreams / One click of my mailbox and she’s waiting there for me.” It can be a challenge to address topics this modern without the lyrics feeling overly contrived, but the composition in this case feels completely natural.
Vibrant. Dynamic. Endlessly entertaining from beginning to end. CyberLovestory is an infectious earworm of a track that checks all the boxes in the making of a hit. For fans of soul, funk, pop, and everything in between, this latest single from Robbie Maroon is more than deserving of a spot on your regular playlist. This track sets the bar high for upcoming album Reckoning – but if his past work is any indication, we fully expect that the new album will surpass all expectation.
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BELOW: Listen to CyberLovestory and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Robbie Marron by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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