Robert Schwartzman
“Double Capricorn”
Release Number: Debut Solo Album
Hailing From: Los Angeles, California
Genre: Pop Alternative Rock
Label: California Dreamin’ Records

Robert Schwartzman has already established himself in the music industry through his career as front man for the band.  “Double Capricorn” is Schwartzman’s chance to diverge and discover what he can do as a solo artist.  Just as his brother, Jason Schwartzman, did with his solo project, Coconut Records, Robert is utilizing the opportunity to see what he is capable of without the constraint of coordinating with other band members. Whether the album is a true success is questionable, but if Schwartzman’s intent was to run in the opposite direction of Rooney’s typical style, he did succeed.

5/10

The album starts off strong with the song “Out of My Mind”, which has a pop-rock sound and beat and sound that reminds one of “Nighttiming” by Coconut Records, with its heavy use of synth.  The album continues with “Second Chances”, which seems to be “Double Capricorn’s” standout track.  It utilizes a strong melody with strong guitar that was ever-present in Rooney’s music. The song “You Don’t Have to Lie” has a distinct 80’s feel with its synth sound and a basic drumming scheme.  With many other songs on the album having a retro feel to them like “I Know Why”, one wonders if Robert Schwartzman is cranking out revolutionary material or some outdated sounds that aren’t very well fitted for the current trends in the music industry.

Although, the album does offer some variety in songs “Second Chances” and the closing track “All My Life”, the overwhelming theme is synthesized outdated pop-rock.  Schwartzman’s voice is definitely easy to listen to and is fairly well developed but it’s his rhythms and melodies that leave most listeners wondering what he was really going for with this solo album.  “Double Capricorn” is definitely a departure from Rooney’s other work but one wonders if it was necessarily a good change.  I do love both Jason and Robert Schwartzman’s work, but in this case, Robert Schwartzman should probably decide to continue with Rooney over doing more solo work, unless he plans to change the feel and style of the music.

- Heather Koening, Music Staff