this is what some people said about my record...

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

Upon A Painted Ocean lp
Rob Johnson
You don’t have to be a simpleton on a bench to know that this instrumental opus from Rob Johnson is like a box of chocolates. And posh ones, at that. You really don’t know what you’re gonna get as ‘Upon A Painted Ocean’ plays out over a wide canvas with a bewildering array of classy moods. And, like a box of chocolate, the end result is rich, indulgent and you’re left feeling a bit sticky. Luckily though, there’s no musical equivalent of a Coffee Cream to put you off.

Salisbury moodscaper Rob is clearly a master of many instruments, but the lead voice across the album is that of the guitar. Every kind of guitar. Played in every kind of way. It all kicks off with a busy blanket of electric and acoustic noodling on “Point The Gun And Pull The Trigger”, before hinting at the cavalcade to come with the Steely Dan jazz-meets-flameno of “Monster Eats The Pilot.”

“555-0134” is huddled in waves of static, whereas “Cloak + Dagger” and “in Cahoots” make for a pristine contrast with delicate blues licks that bring to mind the clinical virtuosity of those early Dire Straits albums. The ones before the sweatband. There’s not a moment’s complacency, though, as “…End Credits” and “Milo’s Revenge” bring in some big dancey bass, “Bipolar” rattles with Led Zep dramatics and the brilliantly-named “Maimed Titles” veers between flighty folk and grinding Judas Priest metal like an inebriated ice skater. Putting the mental into instrumental.

While it all hangs together well – and Rob dresses everything in a silky smoking jacket of polished production - some of he best moments come from the simpler ideas. Notably, the stripped-back acoustic romance of “Hello Magda” and the heartbroken vibe of “Amy G. Dala.” On the latter, a deadpan American voice tells us “I am a wreck now that she is below deck.” The robotic delivery feels all the more destitute for being set against a fluttery summer vibe. ‘Upon A Painted Ocean’ shows Rob Johnson can make marvels on the guitar, but it’s when he explores other sounds as well that things really start to sizzle.

by Overplay

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Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))


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Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

"Far from grace cause I've been away too long, leaving you behind with my lonesome song, now I'm lost in oblivion."


by the way....

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

sorry for the lack of posts; hard at work behind the scenes. 'Upon....' will be all up in your grill soon. (currently in the m i x).

incredible morello/springsteen video.

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

genius.

album update; the saga continues...

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

yo. we are currently mixing the album. not sure if this will be a lengthy process or not but we have to do it at nights whenever there is free studio time at the ranch so watch this space... In other news I'm working on the cover (like you wouldn't believe) and we're mulling over ideas of how to launch the album and get it heard etc. If you've got any bright ideas let me know.... Whatever happens there will be a super limited run initially of the completed album that we get done ourselves for the hardcore contingent (all 3 of you) who might have been waiting to listen to the mess we have made... 

THE ALBUM...

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

is just about 95.5% tracked at this moment in time. Put the finishing touches to track 11 ("10:24") yesterday (thanks dunc). Also worked on the final song - but I'm not sure if it's finished yet - will have to let the rough mix float in my slipstream for a while to see if any new ideas flourish, gather, germinate and fly away into the wild blue yonder. Other than that - finishing drums on 2 songs, a tiny bit of trumpet and then.... 

Upon a Painted Ocean - album update

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))

hello one and all,

I hope you are well, fine and indeed dandy. I myself am... well you can read all about that at twitter.
So uh, um, er, okay here goes...
The album is around 93% tracked, (actually make that 87.5%) but through a series of unfortunate events, scheduling conflicts, timing issues ya da ya da -it's still in production as opposed to post - production.
Nevertheless it WILL have materialized sometime sooner than later*... an adventure 2 years in the making that will knock your block off! Or not, as the case maybe.
More videos, images and sounds will be up soon!
Word.

[*or maybe it already has if you are a wreckless time traveller]

terminator salvation trailer. RAD!!

Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))


Posted by Rob Johnson ((Music))