ROBIN MCAULEY – Soulbound

Legendary hard rock vocalist Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker group, Black Swan) is a busy man. Fronting Black Swan keeps him busy, but not too busy to keep him from putting out an excellent solo album: Robin McAuley – Soulbound. The new album is a little heavier, with more guitar pyrotechnics, and as always really strong vocal anthems by the man who’s voice seems to keep improving. The band has been re-vamped, with guitarist Andrea Seveso returning, and new members guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino joining the ranks.

Lyrics

If we take a look at the title track “Soulbound” for lyrics, it’s a tried and true formula for a love song. The singer is broken, and their own worst enemy, but the other person/love interest helps to make them safe, and complete:

My thoughts, a sworn enemy
And I know it’s poisoning
But you pull me in
When I start spiraling into emptiness
Reaching the edge

I found serenity
Cause every time I go dancing with demons
You’re around, embracing me
You’re the stronghold when I am in need

Classic formulas are classic because they always work, and McAuley has done a nice job blending his despair with hope brought by his love.

Production

Soulbound has terrific production values, and was handled almost exclusively by the bass player Aldo Lonobile. Robin McAuley states:

“I can’t wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. Soulbound is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I’m working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production.”

Lonobile recorded, mixed, mastered and produced the album, with the exception of McAuley’s vocals, which were recorded by Andy Zuckerman.

Final Notes

Robin McAuley – Soulbound is another strong release from a singer who, as we’ve stated before, ages like the finest of wines, with a voice stronger than ever. The opening track “‘Til I Die” kicks the album off to a great start with some very cool riffs, which McAuley perfectly compliments. “The Best of Me” has a great beat, and is a favorite for it’s clever guitar, heavy riffs and of course great vocals. The title track “Soulbound” is more of a hard rock ballad, without really being a ballad. The melodies are strong, and the mix is great. If you are into hard rock/heavy metal with a great melodic voice, anthemic choruses, and top notch guitar, this is the album for you.

Lineup

• Robin McAuley – Vocals
• Andrea Seveso – Guitar
• Alessandro Mammola – Guitar
• Aldo Lonobile – Bass/additional guitars
• Alfonso Mocerino – Drums
• Antonio Agate – Additional keyboards

Soulbound – Tracklist

1. ‘Til I Die
2. Soulbound
3. The Best of Me
4. Crazy
5. Let It Go
6. Wonders of the World
7. One Good Reason
8. Bloody Bruised and Beautiful
9. Paradise
10. Born To Die
11. There Was A Man

Check out the lyric video for “Soulbound” by Robin McAuley off of his new album: Soulbound.