Tromsø, Kaptein

Initially released on a Norwegian label for the Norwegian market (and named after a city at the country’s northern end), <i>Tromso, Kaptein</i> is a sign that Robyn Hitchcock isn’t slowing down or losing anything from his delivery; here he assembles eight new tracks and two remakes into another solid, enjoyable release. “Raining Twilight Coast,” originally from the all-acoustic <i>Eye</i> collection, adds a stirring cello and gorgeous reverb that envelop Hitchcock’s voice to perfection. “Goodnight Olso” (“Godnatt Oslo”) also highlights Jenny Adejeyan’s gently sawing cello for a noir-scape that’s purely sinister. Among the new offerings, “Light Blue Afternoon” has a cascading flow reminiscent of the stellar <i>Element of Light</i>. With its breezy touch, “Old Man Weather” recalls The Zombies’ “Time of the Season.” While much has been made of Hitchcock’s songwriting, it bears mentioning just how great a singer he is. He dominates these songs, drawing listeners into his web with an engrossing sense of unease on “Erasing Your Life” and “The Abyss.”