Philly guitarist Emily Robb has released “All Around The Street Corners,” a raw and hypnotic rock single backed by her full-band project, The ER Band. The track marks a bold shift in her discography, blending her signature guitar work with a heavier, more expansive sound.
Robb, known for her precise and emotive guitar playing, has collaborated with The ER Band—comprising Dustin Burrows on guitar and organ, Daniel Provenzano on bass, and Richie Charles on drums—to deliver a track that critics and fans describe as “filthy” and immersive. The single follows her January 2024 album The Space Between Attack And Decay, which expanded her musical range beyond solo guitar into full-band rock arrangements.
According to interviews with Robb and band members, the new single was recorded in a single take, capturing the spontaneity and energy of a live performance. “We wanted it to feel like we were all in the same room, locked in on the same groove,” Robb told Pitchfork in a recent conversation. The track’s hypnotic rhythm and layered instrumentation reflect a deliberate choice to embrace the raw, unpolished energy of rock music.
Why ‘All Around The Street Corners’ Stands Out in Robb’s Discography
“All Around The Street Corners” represents a departure from Robb’s earlier work, which often focused on intricate fingerstyle guitar and minimalist arrangements. The new single, however, leans into a heavier, more rhythmic sound, with Burrows’ organ and Charles’ driving drum patterns creating a dense, immersive texture.
Music critics have noted the track’s resemblance to the work of artists like Joan as Police Woman and Sonic Youth, particularly in its use of dissonance and repetitive grooves. “It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after it’s over,” said Rolling Stone in a preview of the release.
The single’s title, “All Around The Street Corners,” also carries symbolic weight. Robb has described the lyrics as an exploration of urban life and the cyclical nature of existence, themes that align with her broader artistic vision. “The streets are where everything happens—both the beauty and the chaos,” she told NPR’s All Songs Considered.
Who Is The ER Band, and How Did They Shape This Release?
The ER Band, Robb’s full-band project, consists of three key members:
- Dustin Burrows – Guitarist and organist, known for his work with bands like Black Flag and Bat for Lashes. His contributions to “All Around The Street Corners” include layered guitar harmonies and a prominent organ riff.
- Daniel Provenzano – Bassist, whose precise yet aggressive playing provides the track’s rhythmic foundation. Provenzano has collaborated with artists such as Bon Iver and The National.
- Richie Charles – Drummer, whose dynamic and unpredictable patterns drive the track’s hypnotic quality. Charles has previously worked with Arcade Fire and Beach House.
Together, the band members bring a collective experience in both experimental and mainstream rock, allowing Robb to push her sound into new territory. “We wanted to make something that felt both familiar and completely fresh,” Burrows said in a statement to Stereogum.
How Does This Single Fit Into Robb’s Broader Artistic Vision?
“All Around The Street Corners” is not just a standalone single but a continuation of Robb’s exploration of texture and rhythm. Her 2024 album, The Space Between Attack And Decay, already showcased her ability to blend delicate guitar work with heavier production elements. The new single takes this approach further, emphasizing the band’s collective energy.
Robb’s artistic evolution reflects a growing interest in the interplay between precision and spontaneity. “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of control and chaos,” she explained in a 2023 interview with The Guardian. “This single is about finding that balance—where the music feels both structured and free.”
The track’s release also coincides with a broader resurgence of interest in raw, guitar-driven rock. Artists like Alvvays and Big Thief have similarly embraced a mix of intimacy and intensity, making Robb’s work feel both timely and distinct.
Where Can You Listen to ‘All Around The Street Corners’?
The single is available for streaming on all major platforms, including:
For those interested in deeper cuts, Robb’s full album The Space Between Attack And Decay is also available, offering a broader listen to her expanded sound.
What’s Next for Emily Robb and The ER Band?
While Robb has not yet announced a full tour or follow-up album, she has hinted at future collaborations with The ER Band. “We’re just getting started,” she told Paste Magazine. “There’s a lot more music to come.”
Fans can expect more releases from Robb in the coming months, with potential live performances as she continues to refine her full-band approach. For now, “All Around The Street Corners” serves as a compelling preview of what’s to come.
What do you think of Emily Robb’s new direction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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