3.5/5 stars
Described as the love child of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Townes Van Zandt, Marlon Williams does nothing more on his self-titled debut than perpetuate this flattering comparison. Williams is, however, more than just another alt-country rip-off of your favourite Southern singers – he also has genuine intrigue.
The album kicks off with a couple of banging rockabilly tunes, followed by a slew of slowed-down ballads. The chilling single ‘Dark Child’, on which Williams broodingly sings lyrics such as “I always hoped I’d never have to bury a child”, demonstrates a gloomy sound that diverges from the formulaic offerings of his peers. He really appears to be in his element when he’s recreating the classic sound (Billy Fury cover ‘I’m Lost Without You’), but tracks like ‘Lonely Side Of Her’ show off a more honest and raw side that sees him shed the showman act.
The back end of the album fuses together so effortlessly, it actually ends up feeling like a drone of heartache and misery. Luckily, Williams’ voice comes as a beacon of hope.
A fairly impressive debut with enough variation that it won’t quite leave you feeling like you’ve been holed up for hours in a small country pub in outback Australia.
Marlon Williams’self-titled album is out through Caroline.
