On the cusp of starting his latest UK tour, it’s fair to say that the legendary Robin Trower is maintaining the momentum that seems to have propelled him for the past few records. I last reviewed No More Worlds To Conquer in 2022, and although the planets failed to align to allow us to have another discussion, I have been able to spend time with Come And Find Me and am happy to report that at 80, Trower’s playing is as mesmeric and enjoyable as ever.
Robin Trower – Come And Find Me
Release Date: 16 May 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
Come And Find Me was recorded over a year at Newbury’s Studio 91, where all Robin’s recent albums have been laid down. It opens with the groove of single A Little Bit Of Freedom, a defiant call to expression and the avoidance of constriction. “I had a strong sense that red tape and rules are really constricting things in the world,” says Trower. “Too much red tape, not enough freedom to think – it’s got to where you feel straitjacketed.”
The opening track is the gateway to delight that allows the man with the scuffed-up Fender and Marshall amplifier to show that class is permanent. It is a richly filled release, with songs that are not overly long, and with his collaboration once more pulling in long-term band members Chris Taggart (drums), bassist Glen Tetsch and singer Richard Watts, you do not have to worry about the musicianship.
Each track brings something different from the evocative title track, which has some gorgeous guitar work and a fine performance from Watts, to the mellow Capture The Life Begun that sees Trower’s distinctive playing hit top level, or the arrival of guest singer Jess Hayes on Tangled Love.
Robin Trower has never been afraid to comment on hot topics either, and he does just that on Without A Trace. “That song is about all the lies in politics, mostly, and on social media,” he says. “You know, this absolute out-and-out lying, to try and influence people.” It has a delicious almost funk groove underpinning it, with his distinctive playing simple yet oh so beautiful.
We make much of our older musicians and marvel at their longevity. On Come And Find Me, Trower shows absolutely no sign of slowing up whatsoever. There are some fiery solos on this album. This is not someone throwing any old rubbish out. Find Take This Hurt Away, the third song on the album, and absorb both the musicianship and Watts’ strong vocals. It is excellent stuff.
Real human emotions flood the songs, the music is top level and the compositions grab the attention from start to finish. This is an album that works in so many ways, be it a relaxing afternoon, a drive to a pleasing destination, or simply to listen to in a more intense manner.
Come And Find Me hits each of those buttons.
I am just gutted the man is coming nowhere near me on his tour. He seems to be getting better with each release and clearly loves what he does. “It’s kind of scary,” he adds. “You know that you’re way down the road, and you could hit a brick wall at any time. But I still love doing this. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than working on a new song.”
For those who get to go, you have my jealousy. For now, I’ll content myself with another play of one of this legendary guitarist’s latest work. That will not be a chore.
Robin Trower will release Come And Find Me on 16 May via Provogue. Pre-orders are available from here. He will also be touring the UK from 14-21 May before hitting the US East Coast for a June/July Tour. A West Coast tour is planned for later in the year. Tour dates and ticket details are all available at RobinTrower.com/live.
