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The War on Drugs keyboardist Robbie Bennett is set to release two solo albums, titled Steloken and Circulation, on December 11 via American Dreams. The dual release will add 29 new tracks to his catalog, following his 2020 solo debut, Permanent World.
Robbie Bennett Releases Two Solo Records in December
- Robbie Bennett is dropping 29 new tracks across two distinct solo records on December 11 via American Dreams.
- The instrumental production utilizes a unique setup, sending MIDI from an acoustic player piano into an Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizer.
- The dual release follows his recent studio work with the War on Drugs on their 2024 live album and 2024 single “Who’s That.”
Bennett Previews Tracks from Steloken and Circulation
The upcoming double-album release spans a massive collection of new music, bringing 29 tracks total to Bennett’s solo output. Both Steloken and Circulation arrive on December 11 courtesy of American Dreams. Bennett shared the first preview tracks from the projects yesterday, releasing “Sister” from Steloken and “The Light on Your Face” from Circulation.
Hybrid Setup Combines Acoustic Piano with Synthesizers
Bennett approached the composition of both records using an intricate hybrid of acoustic and electronic setups. He developed each track using the exact keyboard he plays as a member of the War on Drugs. The technical foundation relies on sending MIDI data from an acoustic player piano straight into an Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizer, which allows both instruments to trigger simultaneously.
Beyond this initial setup, Bennett added depth to the sound by layering Fender Rhodes electric piano, vocoder tracks, and the Soma Terra—described in press materials as a "polyphonic microtonal synthesizer with a gyroscope and pressure-sensitive sensors." Explaining his artistic direction in press materials, Bennett stated, "I want the music to be like you’re walking through an unfamiliar place you want to keep exploring and never have to circle back to where you started."
| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Track Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steloken | December 11 | American Dreams | Not specified |
| Circulation | December 11 | American Dreams | Not specified |
| Permanent World | 2020 | Not specified | Not specified |
Context Within the War on Drugs Catalog
These solo projects arrive on the heels of renewed activity from the War on Drugs. Last month, Bennett appeared on “Who’s That,” marking the band’s first new song release since 2022. While the band has not issued a proper studio record since 2021’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore, they maintained their touring presence with the release of their second career live album, Live Drugs Again, in 2024.
