Described as the love child of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Townes Van Zandt, Marlon Williams’ self-titled debut does nothing more than perpetuate this flattering comparison. Williams is, however, more than just another alt-country crooner, ripping-off your favourite Southern singers. He also has genuine intrigue.
Marlon Williams kicks off with a couple of banging rockabilly tunes, but thankfully (or unfortunately, depending on preference) these are followed by a slew of slowed down ballads. The single Dark Child – where 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. Williams is in his element recreating the Orbison sound on Lost Without You, while Lonely Side shows off a raw honesty that sees him shedding the showman act.
While each song is its own creation, the back end of the album fuses together so effortlessly that it ends up feeling like a drone of heartache and misery. Luckily, a beacon of hope comes in the form of Williams’ voice, which helps to carry these tracks, particularly the stellar When I Was A Young Girl.
Williams’ striking voice helps to make this album a cohesive package. It’s an impressive debut with enough variation to prevent you feeling like you’ve been holed up for hours in a small country pub in outback Australia.
BY SARAH BASFORD
