Although Luke Rathborne‘s only in his early twenties, he certainly isn’t a rookie to the music scene. He has supported Devendra Banhart on tour and he is currently managed by Ryan Gentles, who also happens to manage a little group called The Strokes. This past Tuesday was the release of Luke’s split-EP, I Can Be One/Dog Years, which “defies today’s cookie cutter flavors, preferring to hold true to [Luke's] artistic vision.”
As you listen to each EP, it’s clear that each has its own vibe. Dog Years is a little more on the pop side, though I use “pop” lightly. The songs on this EP were written when he was a teen in Maine. In contrast to Dog Years, I Can Be One was written after Luke’s move to New York. This EP is “more of a reaction to living in New York, and it’s a lot more personal and minimal,” he says.
After giving both EPs a few listens, I thought it was a pretty good collection of songs that reflect a sort of vulnerability. I enjoyed listening to I Can Be One the most but out of all the songs on both EPs, “Tomorrow” is my favourite, hands down. It’s upbeat in a melancholic way, if that makes any sense. But anyway, I Can Be One/Dog Years is a good effort from Luke, showcasing his songwriting skills with raspy-tinged vocals. If you’re into some brooding, melancholic pop that is partly reminiscent of Elliott Smith and of Bob Dylan, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 7.5/10
Label: Dilletante Recordings
Favourites: Tomorrow, You Let Me In, I Can Be One
