Rob Colm unearths a hidden gem with heartfelt simplicity in “Past Memories”

In this world of overproduced tracks and algorithm-driven hits, Rob Colm’s new release “Past Memories” just feels like a soft, gentle breeze, unassuming but heartbreakingly touching. The unearthing of “Past Memories”, courtesy of Colm’s own catalogue of unused music,  comes with a story as intriguing as its sound. “Finally starting to issue my ‘back catalog’’ This was selected by my son,” Colm says. I don’t even know anything about this, I don’t even know how to write this! This plain spoken self-reflection of mine is “Past Memories.” It’s a re-encounter, a moment of the past scooped back up in artistic memory, through the ears and hearts of a new generation.

“Past Memories” falls outside the mainstream by design, or maybe more accurately, by default. Rob Colm “just plays what comes out of the guitar.” An earthy, quietly fragile honesty to the strumming, a modest unforced authenticity. The melodies meander softly, reflecting the type of late-night thoughts that we all have but rarely share.

Subject matter is somewhere in between ambiguous and open to interpretation, but tone is absolutely nostalgic. There’s a reaching back, not in regret, but in reflection. The emotion isn’t labored over (“Remember that truck, with the patter of its tires”),  it eases in, the way old memories do when you are least prepared.

The particular pathos of this release  was selected by Colm’s son, a sweet generational touch that brings its own level of warmth to the listening. As for Colm himself? “I mostly hope he’s happy with the mix,” he says, and you catch the strain in his humility, the heart behind his heart. With so many songs clamoring for attention in an era of click-bait verses, “Past Memories” is an honest whisper in the ear. It’s not a record that requires you to hear it, but it should be heard. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just learning about Rob Colm, this song asks you to stop, listen, and maybe even remind yourself of a part of you that you didn’t even know you were missing.