Kevin Rieth – Robert Dufresne (2022)
Kevin Rieth is taking us on a whimsical journey into an alternative reality to meet two quirky characters with his power-pop single ‘Robert Dufresne’. With a sprinkling of indie rock, the single introduces us to joyful booking man Robert and former petty criminal Nina. The bouncing beats of the single enhance the kaleidoscopic colours of the single as this fantastical trip whirls around our heads.
A complete DIY recording project, this single is the second from Rieth’s debut album Up & Up. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, he seamlessly weaves grooves into powerful pop tones with the help of Aaron Russo on drums. The two met to form the band, The Donderos, and since then Rieth has relocated, but Russo was able to fly out to record this track.
The piano line that opens ‘Robert Dufresne’ has a whimsical, yet grounded feeling to it. This contrast of feeling is bolstered by the rolling drums and soaring guitar. The melody takes on an airier feeling as if you are floating in a hot air balloon through a cloudless sky. While you float, there are wispy ribbons of light that wave past you and swim through the air. The horns have you relaxing back into them as they provide a cushion within the melody. It is a melody that brings a touch of retro vibes with it, but there is something about it that is wonderfully unique and really masterful. The movement from forward momentum to the easy floating of the horns is stunning and perfectly handled.
Against this melody are vocals that have a serious 60s pop touch to them. Rieth’s performance is descriptive as he draws you along the air currents of the melody and into the story of the lyrics. As the melody has you floating, his performance offers direction. The introduction to the two characters of the track is natural and elevates the entire feeling of the single. Through the lyrics, you can easily see the characters and the tale of meeting them plays out in your mind.
Kevin Rieth has us traversing a kaleidoscopic path and meeting two quirky characters in the soaring, yet easy floating tones of ‘Robert Dufresne’. The music has a 60s pop feel as you float along the air currents of the music in a hot air balloon. The vocals continue the retro touch while drawing you into the fantastical journey.
Find out more about Kevin Rieth on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
