His first solo recording, "The Red Road", appeared on the soundtrack to the 2002 film "The Banger Sisters", confirming the singer's turn into softer material. A full-length debut, "New Earth Mud", appeared in October and garnered positive critical reviews. Written and produced with Paul Stacey and featuring collaborations with ex-Crowes Marc Ford and Eddie Harsch, the album allowed Robinson to hit the road as a headlining act. The band itself became known as New Earth Mud and earned a reputation for playing lengthy, jam-oriented sets across the United States.