Single Review: Harry Jay Robinson - Rod Serling

Leeds-based alt-rapper Harry Jay Robinson brings us his monochrome mind and tie-dye throat in his new track, ‘Rod Serling’.

Only A Northern One caught up with Harry almost exactly a year ago in December 2019, when he was preparing to release his first EP, The Cold. One year on, he drops ‘Rod Serling’, and just like that we can add Robinson to the list of artists who’ve turned 2020 around to their advantage by producing outstanding music. 

The track - which slots perfectly into Robinson’s self-proclaimed genre of ‘dream rap’ - has a mellow trance feel to it which is so pleasant to hear, you could listen to his songs for the backing tracks alone. 

Add the poignant lyrics into the mix and you find that it’s not just dulcet tunes that Robinson can craft so well. ‘Rod Serling’ seems like the artist is holding a mirror up to himself, asking: ‘So can you handle, being dismantled? Let it all die, we can learn more from what you find.’ Nyfe, who features on this track, adds a key element as another party answering the existential questions Robinson asks. 

It is at a slower pace than the 24-year-old’s previous singles such as ‘Shelter’, ‘Tight Ship’ and the bold solo debut, ‘You Are Not Charles Bukowski’. Robinson may still tinkle the keys for the band Far Caspian but ‘Rod Serling’ shows his talent as a soloist as well as part of a group outfit. A lush, mellow track that further establishes Harry Jay Robinson as an exceptional songwriter, able to captivate his audience with moody soundscapes and intoxicating melodies.

Words: Bethany Lodge