Rob Finlay releases new EP

Rob Finlay is a singer-songwriter, seasoned performer and filmmaker who’s been making an impression in the alternative folk world, blending acoustic instrumentation with sweeping emotional themes. From the moment he introduced himself with 2011’s These Words Aren’t Meant For Me, followed by the Half-Heard EP in 2016, Rob has become a beloved artistic figure capable of crafting enduring musical moments.

His music has always drawn from the contexts of memory, emotion and experience, while his ability to blur the line between vulnerability and grandeur has led many to liken his sound to the emotive gravity of Bob Dylan and the poetic weight of Hozier. His honest storytelling, wrapped in engaging, genre-blurring compositions that flirt with 90s indie, folk and acoustic alternative rock have won over fans and tastemakers alike.

Now, nearly a decade since his last release, Rob returns with Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise, a concept EP that threads heartbreak, healing and hope through soaring arrangements and razor-sharp lyrical reflection. Featuring session musicians who’ve worked with artists like Keane, Beyoncé, Rag’n’Bone Man and Feeder, the EP boasts production from Adrian Hall and mastering by Andy Baldwin. After experiencing permanent sudden sensorineural hearing loss, many might have questioned whether music could still play a role in his life. But for Rob, the challenges only strengthened his relationship with his sonic output and that determination shines throughout every note on his new release.

Opened by the bright plucks of guitar on “All Eyes Surrender,” a warm arrangement of strummed rhythms and gently snapping drums is met by Rob’s rich voice as he spins delicate melodic leads carrying picture painting lyricism. Casting a catchy sound of charming pop-focused folk music, it’s a superb showcase of his compelling songwriting and performance panache.

The EP’s lead single “Afterglow” presents a sound that feels at once intimate and cinematic via a song that charts the internal aftermath of love lost and the slow flicker of something new on the horizon. It’s a song born from emotional complexity but delivered with such melodic flair that it hooks immediately. Propelled by the mellow shuffle of drums and capped by Rob’s alluring vocal delivery, the intricate flutter of guitar licks glide over the lilting rhythmic sway of the arrangement to craft a heartfelt and truly memorable sound. Already championed by BBC Introducing and supported by over 90 radio stations, it’s a track that proves Rob hasn’t missed a beat.

With “Ballerina,” lined up as the next single, Rob lays down a delightful blend of airy piano notes and softly strummed guitar as his smooth vocal leads hover above. Developing with elegant string flourishes, it’s the perfect display of his timeless songwriting, brought to life via a stunning performance. Closing the EP with “In White,” the lively strike of drums brings in a gentle groove as his poignant lyricism is wrapped in a graceful rock-inflected sound, stitched with superb melodic writing to leave a lasting impression of his sensational new EP. With Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise, Rob Finlay has re-emerged not just with new music, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that some voices, however quiet for a time, never truly go silent.

Listen to Sunset | Darkness | Sunrise below