CD: Matthew Robinson - Radio

As well as appearances in musicals such as Eurobeat, Mamma Mia and more recently Pippin, Matthew Robinson is also making a successful career as a songwriter. He won the Pratt Prize in 2004 with his musical Metro Street, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics and has toured nationally with two cabaret shows (Metrosexual and Immaculate Confection) both featuring his original material.

So, given this relatively traditional musical theatre/cabaret career it may come as a surprise that Robinson has also been working in the world of rock/pop, performing with his band insidezero and now releasing his debut album Radio.

So, instead of a predictable collection of musical theatre standards for his debut CD, Robinson has produced a pop/rock album that reflects his diverse talents as both a songwriter and a performer. With his clear and pleasant tenor voice front and centre, he works his way through a range of material including up tempo pop rock (album opener Symphony) and plaintive ballads (Good Looking and album closer Today).

At times reminiscent of Darren Hayes and another pop singer turned musical theatre star, Joey McIntyre, (yes that Joe Mac from New Kids on the Block), the album is a pleasurable collection of songs that, when finished, leaves you wanting more. However, although the pop songs on this album are catchy, Robinson’s strength lies in the musical theatre/cabaret material. Songs such as Metro Street (from his own musical as mentioned above) and Today are light years ahead and obviously suit his voice and temperament, and one feels the album would have been better served had there been more of a focus on the theatre/cabaret work.

This is only a small consideration however as the album is one of the more enjoyable ones to be slotted into the CD player in a while and Robinson is a talent to be watched as he develops and explores genres. This is only the beginning.

Radio is currently available at the Pippin merchandise stand and will be in stores shortly.

You can hear interviews with Matthew Robinson in episodes 23 and 15 of StageCast.