Lithiumdog

For the sake of an honest review it is necessary to assess all aspects of an artists creative career, even if, as in this case those exploits may be geared towards thirteen-year-old-vampire-loving-Bieber-embracing-teeny-boppers. With that in mind, I’ll suspend my critique of that certain element until I find some means of justifying it.

A little known fact: Robert Pattinson is a singer/songwriter, a 21st century troubadour who has been known to frequent the London gigging circuit (often unannounced for fear of underage groupies). He wields a voice that simmers uniquely between his peers and reeks potently of his influences. The catalogue of which would reveal perhaps too much about Pattinson’s own style. Covering songs like Van Morrison’s ‘I’ll be Your Lover Too,’ and Marcus Foster’s ‘I was Broken,’ he somehow finds a way to bring his own style to songs that are largely considered ‘off limits’ in terms of cover versions.

Beneath his controversial looks lingers a talent that is exempt of such trivialities. Each note he sings garners a sense of recognition beyond doubt. Each, (without sounding too much like the afore mentioned thirteen-year-old-vampire-loving-teeny-boppers) seems to instill a greater sense of intrigue. Grit dances in voice, effortlessly meandering between the nervous chuckles that speckle his self-doubt ridden performances. He doesn’t consider himself a musician. But then, he doesn’t consider himself an actor either and the need to dismiss the modesty behind that accusation is beyond laughable.

Pattinson is more than just a master of impersonation. Though he has nailed the rustic charm of Van Morrison’s voice he does not emulate. He sings through a distinctly British lens, but it would seem that the lens were pointed at a distinctly American view. At moments you wonder whether his voice is an entirely honest depiction of how he naturally sings, a point of debate among critics and fans alike. Irrespective of the intent behind his vocals, the execution is flawless.
His voice manages to reside in a place far beyond his acting talent; the gravel ridden tortured tone seems to stem from a realm normally entertained by hardened whiskey drinking smoke-aholics. Curious then, that Pattinson is a straight edge, private schooled ‘actor’ type with performing credentials that wouldn’t be out of place on an Oscar line-up.

‘Never Think’ is a tremendous example of his songwriting talent. Four chords that rove in repetition, creating a blanket for which he lays down the most curiously velvety melodies. The little flecks of filth in his voice dance like drops of oil on a hot plate, delicately thrashing between the most smooth, most chocolate saturated whispers that speak of saving ones soul and of making unforgiveable mistakes. The melody meanders exquisitely across those four chords until the song gracefully collapses in upon itself.

He performs with a degree of wisdom. Actively ignoring any sense of a time signature to relay the lyrics as they would be in conversation.

What is most remarkable about this song is the impact it, along with his others, has had upon his twilight fan base. A bopper collective comprised practically solely of young teenage girls. Young teenage girls who almost exclusively dedicate their time to the likes of Justin Bieber and other such sins. Consider it a blessing then that their infatuation with Pattinson is so overwhelming that they can look beyond his music’s utter lack of ‘commercial appeal’ and avidly embrace his songs.

Perhaps it was all a noble sacrifice on behalf of the young artist; tarnishing his name with the Twilight stigma such that a generation of young-Bieber-denouncing-teenage girls could be led down the path of enlightenment. A gritty and gravelly road that leads to the likes of Van Morrison, Neil Young and ultimately Leonard Cohen.

In twilight Pattinson found a following ripe for musical enlightenment, and upon taking the role committed an act of such biblical self-sacrifice that the teenage girls of our world could be forgiven for their sins.

All hail Jesus-Christ–Twilight-Star.

By Luke De-Sciscio

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