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On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World is the sophomore album from Humanist, the moniker of frequent Mark Lanegan collaborator Rob Marshall. The album features an array of guests including Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Midlake’s Tim Smith, Isobel Campbell, and Ed Harcourt, amongst others.
In today’s world, describing a piece of music as ‘post-punk’ has become too much of an understatement to yield anything meaningful while also appearing strangely reductive despite the vagueness it implies. In this case, however, Marshall delivers post-punk music as intended, reaching into the depths of the soul with music that genuinely charms.
What this album truly excels at is providing fullness at a capacity that once felt long gone: its substance is almost overwhelming, the material the kind of insatiable food you keep coming back for time and time again, and not in the meaningless way that sentiment is often uttered. It’s entirely fulfilling, but only because it reminds you how hungry you were for music that delivers on its promise to reflect real human experiences with the gravitas great big things like love and loss deserve.
British guitarist, songwriter and producer Rob Marshall is a musician heading towards an undeniably successful future in music. Playing in signed / iconic bands for over 8 years (Exit Calm – AC30, Cooking Vinyl) , Rob remained relatively unknown until 2016, when he began writing and producing for iconic songwriter Mark Lanegan, which resulted in their debut collaboration "Gargoyle" – a 5-Star LP released in 2017 (Heavenly) . In the short time since, Rob has quickly gained a reputation for unearthly musical talent, immersing the listener squarely in the otherworldly, mesmerizing world he creates. Rob released his debut solo project "Humanist" in 2021 (Ignition Records) – an album that showcased his distinctive writing, guitar playing and productions that are increasingly coveted by elite performers around the world.
‘The Beginning’ (feat. Carl Hancock Rux): Nothing feels more fitting an interlude than a heart-pumping track that feels simple in execution but accessible and demanding all the same. Although not as strong as other parts of the record, ‘The Beginning’ surely sets the scene for what’s to come.
‘Happy’ (feat. Ed Harcourt): The twinkling display of guitar greatness in this track proves something that was clear in Marshall’s debut—this is a musician who knows how to best utilise every single component of a song without oversaturating its feel.
‘Too Many Rivals’ (feat. Tim Smith): Although a change of pace, the sudden increase in visceral quality draws you in even more as Marshall taps into his own affinity with gothic elements with heavy emotions matching perfectly with the soft and ethereal notes.
‘The Immortal’ (feat. Ed Harcourt): Venturing into even darker territory, ‘The Immortal’ works because the unsettling aspect is condensed into the gorgeous harmony, while the accompanying arrangements stir up the same heaviness that drew you in in the first place.
‘This Holding Pattern’ (feat. James Cox): In a perfect execution of Depeche Mode and Joy Division-esque electronic and post-punk quality, ‘The Holding Pattern’ remains linear in its vocal delivery while keeping an endearing dose of climactic energy.
‘Brother’ (feat. Dave Gahan): Anything with Dave Gahan is likely to be great, but ‘Brother’ still succeeds in emitting the element of surprise with its unsuspecting sentimentality. Everything invites you in—Gahan’s strong vocals, the endearing melody, the soft arrangements, and the soulful melodic climaxing the second half. Undeniably, it is an album highlight and a worthy choice for the lead single.
‘Born To Be’ (feat. Peter Hayes): Another darker instalment with notes of hope and romanticism, ‘Born To Be’ feels like it touches upon every aspect of human emotion in just under five minutes.
‘Keep Me Safe’ (feat. Rachel Fannan): These are the songs on the record that make it worthy of attention in 2024—many musicians attempt to replicate the past, but Lost and Lonely World effortlessly and coherently channels elements of past, present, and future in a way that keeps you engaged throughout.
‘Dark Side Of Your Window’ (feat. James Allan): It’s difficult to describe a record as “goth” or “emo” and be taken seriously, but this is a common thread throughout Lost and Lonely World, with many of its songs touching upon the very real experience of life and love that feels all-consuming.
‘Love You More’ (feat. Isobel Campbell): Marshall is incredibly adept at scene-setting, and ‘Love You More’ communicates everything it’s putting down in the first ten seconds. Its almost ballad-like quality becomes an immersive experience, making this another notable album highlight.
‘Lonely Night’ (feat. Madman Butterfly): This one comes in relatively short and sweet, rather like a condensed Cigarettes After Sex composition, proving that simplicity can be beautiful.
‘The Presence Of Haman’ (feat. Madman Butterfly): This album’s closing tracks bring together Marshall’s concept in a perfect amalgamation of ethereal and sinister qualities, the focus on instrumentation bringing out its ability to appeal emotionally.
‘The End’ (feat. Madman Butterfly): Like ‘The Beginning’, ‘The End’ closes the curtain once and for all, not leaving any scope for activity or energy beyond the final notes, leaving you without a choice but to begin it again. And then again.
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