RockCounsellor – You Don’t Need To Believe It (2023)
If the Beach Boys were to have a child with Velvet Underground, but it was raised by the Beatles and socialised with Oasis, RockCounsellor would be that kid. The brainchild of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and psychotherapist Thoby Burton, RockCounsellor is one of those sonic gems in a pool of pebbles. Since his debut single ‘(Walking On) Eggshells (released in 2017), Burton has garnered a loyal following with coverage from Sinusoidal Music, Less Than 1000 Followers, We Write About Music, Find No Enemy and various playlists. The latest addition to his well-received discography is the EP You Don’t Need To Believe It.
In 2020, The Other Side Reviews had the privilege of interviewing Thoby Burton to discuss RockCounsellor’s album MusicTherapy – an album that emotionally supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. He shared that what he “…realised from writing it was that the thing I needed most was the love and support of my family and close friends…”. He spoke further about his role as a psychotherapist and its influence on his songwriting – “I feel like musicians and celebrities are talking more about their mental health…I am in the privileged position as a therapist being given insight into other people’s problems and vulnerabilities”.
So, why am I telling you this? I believe the interview gives us insight into Burton’s introspective nature, sentimentality and connecting with individuals on a more intimate level. This is what You Don’t Need To Believe appears to reflect. Inspired by life in its entirety, You Don’t Need To Believe It touches on defence mechanisms, frustration, angst, denial, poor communication, toxic relationships and inner turmoil.
Recorded with producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Richard Campbell, You Don’t Need To Believe It is a throwback to the sounds of the 80s while retaining a modern-day indie-rock edginess. Packed with decades of musical styles and sounds, Burton showcases his versatility and innovation as an artist while sending your soul soaring to another sonic stratosphere. This three-track EP is Burton’s first release since 2021 and I cannot wait for more from RockCounsellor.
To find out more about RockCounsellor, check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
