Music
Press
“Fresh and engaging, down-to-earth but bubbling with creative brilliance.”
~ The West Australian
“Raw, honest, unaff ected... with melancholic but upliftingly fragile cello”
~ www.perthbands.com
“Great original sounds from these inspiring musicians. “
~ Reuben Kooperman, Fairbridge Festival
- various
Friday, October 17, 2008
By Brett Leigh Dicks
There is no questioning Mel Robinson’s musical fortitude. Not only can you hear her orchestral input on You Am I’s recently released Dilettantes, the cellist also recently released an album of her own. Mr. Sister is a collaborative undertaking between Robinson and pianist Steve Richter. The duo typically craft immaculate, string-laden ditties fueled by piano and percussion. But, more importantly, they do it with charm and ingenuity. The album’s title track finds Robinson’s cello laying a platform for Richter’s piano parts and her own chaste vocals. At the other end of the instrumental spectrum, the pulsing strings of “Part Gold” collide with programming by Trilby Temperley in something of a musical uproar. While the lyrical hopelessness of Empty Places provides for a number of poetic songs, the album also features several instrumental numbers. “Ghost” serves as jagged introduction to “The Edge,” while “Precious” is a chiming affirmation of reverence. Given her recent flurry of activity, Robinson knows better than anyone the importance of taking time out to feel the wind in your hair. Empty Places provides just such a gust.
- Santa Barbara Independent, Oct 17 2008
If you are looking for proof that the cello can leave the classical and enter the pop world, look no further. Mel Robinson (known nationally and internationally for her unique and truly captivating string sound in outfits such as SQUINT, Myrtle, Wood and Ether) takes you on a soulful journey of intimate and very personal songs mixed with the soaring, often funky, sometimes cheeky and always beautiful sounds of the cello. Her debut solo album is a rare jewel. - Playforme.com.au, February 2005
Discography
"Empty Places" (2008) is released through Vitamin/Same Road Records. Available in all record stores and online at www.vitamin.net.au. Features the Australian hit single "Rain", but also "Empty Places", "Part Gold", "Apogee" and several other tracks that have received much Australian airplay.
"After the Storm" (2005) is Mel Robinson's debut CD, available through MGM Distribution.
"Unravelling" (2006) is Mr Sister debut EP. Features the Australian hit single ‘Unravelling’, also available through MGM Distribution.
Mel Robinson has also features as cellist/arranger/coproducer on Tim Rogers' record "The Luxury of Hysteria" (2007) and You Am I's "Dilettantes" (2008).
Previous Releases:
Kiss My WAMI Compilation 2006: Unravelling
Deuce Presents JigSaw Compilation 2005: Rain
Photos
Bio
“Fresh and engaging, down-to-earth and bubbling with creative brilliance.” The West Australian
“[Their debut album] falls like soft rain on the bone-dry ground.” Seven Days Magazine
"Mr Sister were a huge hit at the Cygnet Folk Festival. Mel Robinson and Steve Richter meld their professional musicianship with original material to blaze a trail the audience was compelled to follow.
Cello, piano and percussion accompany Mel's haunting vocals - a combination that had me seeking out other performances. Come back to Cygnet at any time."
Roger Joseph
Festival Director
Cygnet Folk Festival
These glowing reviews will be no surprise to anyone who has seen Mr Sister perform. Cellist, singer and songwriter Melanie Robinson and pianist/percussionist Steve Richter hold their audience mesmerized by enveloping them in a rich orchestral blanket while whispering intimately in their ear. Steve and Mel’s musical virtuosity and sensitivity, as well as the vast scope of influences on which they draw, shine through in their use of traditional and electronic instruments, and in the ever-engaging variety of their repertoire. They use subtle effects and live looping techniques, all the while maintaining the beauty of their acoustic ambience. At the forefront of a new wave of contemporary folk, this delicious duo is woo-ing audiences across Australia with its unique and magical sound.
Two highly sought-after musicians, Mel and Steve each hold Bachelors of Music from the WA Academy of Performing Arts and play in various guises and disguises nationally and internationally. They can be seen moonlighting with Tetrafide Percussion, WA Symphony Orchestra, Black Swan Theatre, BuzzDance Theatre, Jigsaw Theatre, Wu Tao Dance, Pi Ensemble, Taal Naan and Mukti. Mel Robinson is also cellist and arranger for several Australian musicians including Tim Rogers, You Am I and Jimmy Barnes.
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