REVIEW: Cavetown Wanders With Softness in New Single “Baby Spoon”
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY ZARMEEN AKHUND ☆
SINGER, SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER ALL IN ONE, CAVETOWN CARVES OUT ETHEREAL SOUNDSCAPES– worlds made effortless and intentional. His new single “Baby Spoon” is whirling, introspective and carries a much-appreciated softness. The track glimmers, silky thin and bright in tone, paying homage to tender vocals alongside the ukulele. The song’s essence is equal parts adoration and care.
There is an ephemeral quality to everything Cavetown, AKA Robin Skinner, does. From one moment to the next, texture and melody arrive as quickly as they fade. Surrounding and sensation blend into one. Frequencies shift, yet a steady buzz underpins much of the track, bringing forth a bee-like hum.
In many ways, Skinner’s visuals mirror his sound. Dewy and atmospheric, the music video reveals lush greenery and buoyant melody, with the artist exuding a similar kind of presence. A simplicity is apparent, as the video bounces between plant scenery, a couple’s quiet moments, and Skinner on the electric guitar. The lo-fi indie pop artist takes listeners through a lullaby of slow learning and appreciation, all delicately guided by the natural world.
Drawing inspiration from his current relationship, Skinner mentions, “‘Baby Spoon’ is a reminder to my partner that I’ll always be there to talk to her and make her feel better. Growing up as a transmasc guy, I went through a phase of overdoing masculinity because I thought that’s what was expected of me. With her, I can be delicate, soft, I can be the baby spoon.” Lyrically, the song speaks to the artist’s keen sensitivity in a world gone cold. While poignant, his words remain digestible, cutting straight through to the track’s core. “Baby, take your t-shirt off/Put your head to my heart/Listen to it stop and start.”
The beat soars halfway through, landing on layered harmonies and into a state of bliss. As it does, Skinner playfully calls on the senses, allowing flavor and curiosity to lead the way. “Let me care, head to toe/Special, rare, calico/We're a pair, stereo/Angel hair and amaretto/Honey and cinnamon.”
Shaped by aspects of self and relational love, the premise is clear. Loving can be soft, even seamless, when you allow it to be. All you need is a little reminder.
