Rich Robinson’s new solo album The Ceaseless Sight is a unique piece of work – an uplifting collection of tunes that comes with an inescapable contact high. The concept of an album crafted from positive vibes usually conjures up visions of smiley face emoticons and saccharine-laced, empty-cored melodies – but The Ceaseless Sight proves you can have your meat ‘n’ taters and soul food, as well.

The Ceaseless Sight is the soundtrack of Robinson having boiled life down to its essence, finding total happiness in his roles of husband and father, and applying life lessons learned to his music.

Oh – and just in case you’re reading these words and interpreting them as any sort of loss of edge, fire up The Ceaseless Sight and let the opening track, “I Know You”, knock you on your ass and dispel those thoughts. “I Know You” is all wump-thumping drum beats (Robinson’s chum Joe Magistro), guitars a’chuggin’ and wailin’ (Rich and Rich and more Rich), syrupy bass weavings (Rich again), and Marco Benevento banging the keys like he’s channeling Ian Stewart and Nicky Hopkins. The track sets the mood for the whole album: there’s a whole lot of needless burden shrinking in Rich Robinson’s rearview mirror as he throttles up – and a very cool place on the horizon ahead.

Returning to Woodstock’s Applehead Recording (where he laid down 2011’s Through A Crooked Sun), Robinson made use of a familiar vibe, going into the sessions with skeletons of songs and working through grooves and inspirations with co-conspirator Magistro. Along with Benevento, who plays keys for much of the album (Steve Molitz applies lovely swirls of organ to “Down The Road”), the only other guests are vocalists Katrine Ottosen (who adds just-right vocals to one tune) and Amy Helm (the perfect addition to two more).

Keep on readin’ – click right here for the conclusion of my Rich Robinson review on Jambands.com