CD Review: Rob Skane

Filled with hooky melodies, the way-up-front vocals declare, “I am power pop,” and the backups and doubling by Dale Haskell seal the deal. Despite this, neither the delivery nor the subject matter feels forced into a generic genre balloon. One reason is the refreshingly undistorted solos of vintage tone and nicely polished country bent. The production is decent, considering the record was mixed by Skane in his basement studio. The drums fall flat on a few tunes, but Skane’s steady strumming breathes confidence. The voices are dry and unpretentious, and the rawness, combined with brave mixing choices, serve to purify the melody and message. Phantom Power Trip is a vibrant example of someone staying true to their roots and not striving too hard or straying too far from what they do best. Like an old pair of shoes or a T-shirt you wore in college, it delivers a palpable comfort, goes on easy, and everything fits in the right place. www.robskane.net.