The Planet Of Sound

“A reminder of good pop tunes from a magical era” – Louder Than War

London synthpop wonder Rodney Cromwell has announced details of his new ‘Black Dog’ EP, which he is releasing on the back of his debut LP ‘Age of Anxiety’, out earlier this year via Happy Robots Records. This new release introduces the modern electronic lover to some epic retro future synth music. Deeply influenced by artists such as OMD, New Order and Kraftwerk, he also utilises an arsenal of analogue synths, evoking the synthpop sound of the 70’s and 80’s, while also being forward looking and sounding fresh.

Rodney Cromwell’s music has crossover appeal that equally embraces synthpop and indiepop. It’s no wonder that Rodney Cromwell has gained solid support from the likes of Malcolm Holmes (OMD) and Rusty Egan (Visage, Rich Kids) for this release, not to mention BBC6 Music (Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe), Soho Radio (Pete Paphides), Radio 3 in Spain, many North American college radio stations and elsewhere in the world. As expressed by Malcolm Holmes of OMD: “Sounds like liquid gold. Age of Anxiety has renewed my faith in the digital age of electro pop”.

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The ‘Black Dog’ EP features alternate cuts of album tracks, cranking the ‘analogue synth disco’ knob up to eleven. ‘Black Dog (Version)’ presents a merciless edit that turns the lengthy epic album track into the tightest radio friendly ode to depression you will ever hear. ‘You Will Struggle (Glitchy Disco Mix)’ was made for the dancefloor, landing in uncharted territory between Rex the Dog and ‘The Best of Divine’. Rod extends what the NME calls ‘offbeat wit’ to shine on ‘Barry Was An Arms Dealer (North Poindexter Mix)’, albeit with a dark reimagining that takes the track into death disco territory. Finally ‘Black Dog (Extended Version)’ offers a punchier reworking of the album cut, restoring the epic bass riffs and jaunty synths that has won the ‘Age of Anxiety’ closing track so much praise.

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Hailing from Catford in South London, Rodney Cromwell is the solo project of Adam Cresswell, founding member of indie-folktronica band Saloon (who had four entries in John Peel’s Festive 50, recorded three Peel Sessions and had top 10 album of the year in The Sunday Times) and one half of electronic two-piece Arthur & Martha  (acclaimed by the likes of NME, The Guardian and Artrocker). On this EP, singer Alice Hubley (Arthur & Martha, Cosines) also features on the songs ‘Black Dog’ and ‘You Will Struggle’.

The ‘Black Dog’ EP and ‘Age of Anxiety’ LP are available for pre-order on Bandcamp and CDs are available through Cargo Records and Darla Records.

“Bright & optimistic and stays with you long after the fade out” – You, The Night & The Music

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TRACKLIST
1. Black Dog (Version)

Keep up with Rodney Cromwell / Happy Robots Records
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