As someone who has followed Cavetown since he was releasing covers on YouTube, this new album has my head spinning – in a good way. Cavetown, also known as Robbie Skinner, takes us on his journey of self-healing and growth in his newest album, Running With Scissors. Robbie has been known for bringing his audience along on his personal journey and letting us in on some very vulnerable topics, such as loss and self-identity. For Running With Scissors, he focuses on his newfound love while also raising awareness of the spite and anger he feels at the same time. Almost like a balancing act, he reminds us that both emotions have a place and neither feeling is wrong.
Robbie starts the album off with a light, gentle song called “Skip,” expressing his love for his longtime partner. His passion is heard through lyrics like “You’re all I want for all my life” and “It’s just what you do, when you’re in love,” showing us all just how deeply he loves his partner. The end of the song leads directly into the next single, “Cryptid.” This song is a direct translation of the issues marginalized people are dealing with today. The track is backed by static, fuzzy instrumentals that make you want to scream and jump along with lyrics that empower people who look or feel different than the oppressors who exist today.
The tempo picks up with “Rainbow Gal,” harboring funky 8-bit sounds and hyper-pop instrumentals with an incredibly catchy chorus. This album really shines a light on Robbie’s love for his partner. “Rainbow Gal” paints a picture of his partner bringing color into his life. “Baby Spoon,” the next song, gives us insight into how he doesn’t have to pretend or play up to a certain role in his relationship. He has found a safe space with his current partner, and he sings about how he is able to present as he wants without feeling judged. He doesn’t need to be overly masculine or play into any social norm. He can be the “baby spoon,” and be gentle and cared for.
“NPC” switches things up a bit and brings out a pop-punk vibe. This song encapsulates what it’s like to feel like you’re on autopilot and not in control of everything going on in your life. From “NPC” to the songs “Reaper” and “Straight Through My Head (Do It!),” there is a drastic change in mood as it introduces more vocal distortion and aggression while chaotic instrumentals swarm the background.
“Tarmac” is one of the album’s strongest songs, introducing an incredibly memorable chorus and an array of hyperpop instrumentals. It quickly became one of my favorites, and I often catch myself randomly humming the melody throughout my day. The next couple of tracks, “No Bark No Bite” and “Micah,” give us insight into the kind of person Robbie aims to be. “No Bark No Bite” paints the image of the worst kind of man – something that Robbie does not want to be – and “Micah” describes the kind of big brother that Robbie is aiming to be. He doesn’t want his younger sibling to end up feeling like they can’t open up to him. He wants to be a big brother whom Micah can confide in. “Sailboat” brings the tempo back up with violent guitar and heavy drums. I personally love how fast-paced and loud this song is. It’s a big vibe change close to the end of the album, and in my opinion, it keeps me captivated after some heavy-hitters and slower songs.
“First Time” and “Running With Scissors” were perfect to end this album on a more energetic note. “First Time” is a very short track with loads of energy and drum beats that make me want to jump around. “Running With Scissors” is a great song that sets you up to listen to the album over and over. Its fun guitar licks and harmonizing background vocals leave you feeling fulfilled but wanting more.
I may be biased, but I love the album and the message it brings. It’s full of love and aggression, which is different from Robbie’s usual stuff. I look forward to how his sound evolves from here! You never really know what sound his album will have next, but you can always look forward to it.
LISTEN TO RUNNING WITH SCISSORS
RUNNING WITH SCISSORS TOUR
September 27- Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
October 8 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
October 25 – Brooklyn, NY- Brooklyn Paramount
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