The success of Rökkurró’s 2010 album Í Annan Heim (produced by Alex Somers of Jónsi fame) was largely unexpected. The album spent over 100 weeks in the Top-30 of the Icelandic charts, while gathering warm words from international media such as NME, Clash Magazine, KEXP Radio, The Line Of Best Fit and CMU Daily.

Rökkurró returned in October 2014 with a new studio album Innra, produced by multi-instrumentalist Helgi Hrafn Jónsson. The three year gap between the two albums gave Rökkurró the space to meticulously expand their luscious palette into the beautiful, dreamy soundscapes that is Innra.

New members Helga on piano and Skúli on bass have been added to the line-up and time spent by the bands members between Tokyo, London and Reykjavík inspired Rökkurró to record their first part-English speaking record.


Artist Name: Idiota
EP Title: Idiota (Self-Titled)
Release Date: February 23, 2024
Genre: Indie Rock / Indie Pop / Post-Punk
Runtime: 17 minutes (5 tracks)


About the EP
Idiota is the debut self-released EP from Matthew Robinson and Mike Rasimas, blending a mix of indie rock, indie pop, and post-punk influences. The EP features catchy melodies, jangly guitars, and strong vocal lines, while offering sharp social commentary and personal introspection. Co-produced by Robinson and Mike Rasimas (musician, producer, and member of the band), the EP captures a raw, vibrant sound that balances lighthearted pop sensibility with darker, more profound themes.
Rasimas, known for his solo project M.Roosevelt, contributed as both a musician and co-producer, helping shape the distinctive sound of the EP. Together, Robinson and Rasimas crafted a collection of tracks that delve into themes ranging from generational divides and economic critique to personal identity and the passage of time.

Track Breakdown
"Lady Bird"
The opening track features a catchy synth lead reminiscent of The Cars. It critiques the 1965 Lady Bird Johnson Highway Beautification Act, exploring the decay of American infrastructure and the consequences of corporate greed and environmental neglect.
"Party Wall"
This track reflects on the generational divide between 20-somethings and 70-somethings. Using a shared wall between row houses as a metaphor, Party Wall humorously critiques trickle-down economics and the widening wealth gap, which has left many young people with limited economic mobility post-2020.
"Tides"
A poignant meditation on time, memory, and the fragility of life, Tides reflects the perspective of a parent post-pandemic. The lyrics evoke both personal reflection and intimate conversations, capturing the bittersweet nature of moments that stay with us forever.
"Invidia"
A self-aware exploration of insecurity, Invidia contrasts a catchy, pop-infused tempo with darker, more introspective lyrics. It delves into envy, self-doubt, and the anxiety of not measuring up to external expectations, all while fearing that time is running out.
"Visibility"
A tribute to New York City’s iconic Anthora cup, Visibility evokes memories of the city’s bustling coffee culture and the chaos of daily life in the 2010s. The song explores themes of survival, caffeine dependency, and the shaping of identity through urban rituals.


Band Biography
Matthew Robinson has been making music since the early 2000s in rural Connecticut, initially fronting local punk and indie bands. He honed his songwriting and vocal skills, releasing two EPs under the name Ivydrive ( unavailable on streaming). In 2005,and 2008, Robinson began work on an electronic indie pop album titled Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, inspired by visual artist Ellsworth Kelly. However, the project was shelved as Robinson pursued an MFA in painting and worked in public education for the next decade.
After purchasing his first computer capable of recording, Robinson returned to music, creating the Idiota EP and a collection of unreleased demos. In 2023, Robinson began collaborating with Mike Rasimas, a talented musician, producer, and composer based in Beacon, NY. Rasimas, known for his own project M.Roosevelt, played a key role as a musician and co-producer on the Idiota EP, helping to shape and refine the sound. Their collaboration continues as they work on new material for future releases.


Idiota is currently seeking support for the release of an upcoming LP. The band is working on new material, with demos for future releases available upon request.


Written by Matthew W. Robinson
Instruments by Mike Rasimas and Matthew W. Robinson
Final Mixes by Mike Rasimas
Master by Jonny Taylor at Beacon AV Lab

EP release date:
23 February 2024

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