By James Heider
March 20th, 2025
St. Paul native and SoundCloud trailblazer Corbin makes a stunning return with his first singles in three years, “Carbon Monoxide” and “Come Down.” Formerly known as “Spooky Black,” Corbin rose to prominence in 2014 with his breakout single “Without U.” Renowned for his melancholic lyrics and haunting melodies, Corbin delves into themes of depression, addiction, fractured relationships, and isolation.
In “Carbon Monoxide,” Corbin pairs minimalist drum beats with ethereal synths, evoking the moody essence of iconic 80s bands like “The Cure” and “Alphaville”. The restrained instrumentals create a canvas that highlights his raw, soul-baring lyrics. Lines such as “I know I’m a mess, I’m sorry, I get out of my body baby, Oh those days they haunt me, go down with the ship it was rocky”, explore his inner struggles, revealing a stark vulnerability and a lack of personal boundaries.
In “Come Down,” Corbin delivers a heartfelt confession, laying bare the struggles of his past addiction and the emotional toll it has taken on both himself and those around him. Against a minimalist backdrop of steady drum beats and an ethereal guitar riff, Corbin confronts his absence from the public eye, candidly addressing the challenges of his public persona and his battle with addiction.
With touching lines like, “The choices we make, they affect everyone. Don’t hide from the blame, it gets worse when you run. Some things we must face if we’re ever going to feel whole again,” Corbin exposes his rawest, most vulnerable self. The track serves as a deeply personal reflection on his past mistakes and a sincere effort to seek redemption for the pain he has caused throughout his journey.
Corbin has long been an enigma in the music industry, maintaining a mystique rarely seen in today’s hyperconnected world. With virtually no social media presence, his elusive nature has only deepened the intrigue surrounding him, cultivating a devoted cult following. This April, Corbin will release Crisis Kid, his first album since 2021, accompanied by a tour that sold out within 24 hours—a testament to his enduring allure.
This marks Corbin’s first official tour since 2017, as his live appearances since then have been sporadic, often as an unannounced guest at friends’ shows. His latest singles, “Carbon Monoxide” and “Come Down,” offer fans an intimate glimpse into his world, showcasing raw vulnerability and emotional honesty. Together, they signal an exciting new chapter for Corbin, leaving fans eager to uncover more from the enigmatic artist.
