Recently described by Norman Records as the “Peter Pan of the Leeds Music Scene”, Matt Robson continues his winding path through the fringes of underground music with his debut solo release for Squirrel Records.

Past projects have included drumming duties for bands as diverse as The Blanche Hudson Weekend, Ailsa Craig, Sierpinski and Coping Saw (to name but a few) but with You Cannot Save Your Friends, Robson reprises his role as producer, taking off from where he had left off previously under the randomNumber moniker (recording for labels such as Moamoo and Mogwai’s Rock Action Records).

Whereas randomNumber was a moody headlong crash between autumnal pastoralism and post-Autechre glitch polyrhythms, recording under his own name, this newest material is an altogether more accessible affair, seeking and deserving an audience way beyond the boundaries of laptop electronica, taking in influences such as New Order, Hudson Mohawke and Bark Psychosis. The mood is cautiously upbeat with an irresistible rhythmical swing and swagger that demonstrates Robson’s long established flair for creating texturally engaging beats.

Featuring cameo appearance from Liz Hensor from Downdime, Ben Eyes (Quip) and Mick Dale (Embrace, yes, really, but don’t let that put you off!).

Recommended for post-rock/electronica fans, adventurous indie-popsters seeking some serious off-piste musical action (and also for fans of randomNumber, this is an essential purchase) and released in a very limited edition run, presented in a hand silk screen printed card sleeve made to order on request by Pennine print legend, Dan Booth.