Rob Finlay – Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise
Whatever happened to the humble singer/songwriter?! Rob Finlay is here to prove that the artform isn’t dead with his latest EP, Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise (SDS). As with any good, acoustic-driven music, SDS is a well-orchestrated and emotional affair, finding Finlay wearing his heart on his sleeve more often than not. With a bevy of pro musicians in tow (including session musicians from Feeder, Rag’n’Bone Man, Beyoncé, and Keane), this collection of songs is dripping with emotion and a longing-but-hopeful disposition. Led by Finlay’s ever-pleasant voice, this EP was meant for those that grew up in the 90s, particularly the late ’90s, when Matchbox 20, Edwin McCain, and your favorite one-hit-wonder bands were ruling 1998-era pop radio.
For those looking for a quick one-two punch, we’d recommend starting with lead single “Afterglow.” An archetypal Finlay jam, “Afterglow” jangles along with a deep and touching emotion, letting his poetry do all the talking. It quickly flows into follow-up single, “Ballerina” – with its haunting, one-word refrain, “Ballerina” has earworm potential for days. SDS in and of itself is a concept album, following Finlay’s journey through love, loss, and redemption. These two songs are the emotional centerpieces on the album, but in fairness to the rest of the EP, “In White” may have the catchiest hook – “First kiss, first fight, first love, first night, first dance…” And even EP opener “All Eyes Surrender” (in all its 6+ minute glory) holds the listener in a captive daze.
Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise is out now (May 2nd, 2025). Check out the video for “Afterglow” via the YouTube embed below, or, visit his Spotify profile for more listening pleasures.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Nick Sessanna