Mood Swings

Marcus King

Released on 4/5/24 by Republic Records
Main artists: Marcus King
Genre: Alternative & Indie

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Not even 30 years old yet, Marcus King has already lived a wealth of musical lifetimes. A child guitar prodigy, he was laying down blues-based hot licks before he was even in high school. Then there was his Southern rock-focused namesake band, which gave him the chance to work with both Warren Haynes and Dave Cobb as album producers. His first solo effort, 2020’s El Dorado, saw Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) drawing a rawer blues and roots vibe out of King. And Young Blood, two years later, detailed King's struggle with substances, romance and depression—all with a wink and a nod at ZZ Top, Skynyrd and even Black Sabbath. Now a cleaned-up, married, new man, King has turned to the guru of rock ’n’ roll wellness, Rick Rubin, to explore, as he puts it “the caverns of my own soul.” Take that last word literally: In another reinvention, King is producing one of the best homages to Al Green around right now. It’s there on "Save Me," which finds King giving his slow-hand guitar time and air—no need to gild the lily. It’s also in the humming organ and lover-man falsetto of "Hero,” a swampy mid-tempo ballad with a playful groove. “Fuck My Life Up Again" summons Green’s gospel-soul hybrid (and a little bit of Isaac Hayes cool) with a slow-strut beat, dramatic strings and, in an earthy show, the distinct sound of hands slapping and rubbing together. King’s restless, almost tortured guitar matches the lyrics: “Come fuck my life up again/ I don't deserve to live without pain/ Destroy all my confidence again/ Watch me lose control and feel ashamed.” He has said that the record spans the course of a personal relationship, but also how his mental health issues and substance abuse played both cause and effect on each other. The title track—bluesy with jazz-like freedom— is a stunner that, indeed, swings, as he sings about trying to get his doctor-prescribed meds right while still self-medicating (“But in exchange for my pain/ I maintain inspiration”). "Me or Tennessee" sounds like a helluva studio party, King and his blinding guitar solo holding the room like a tent revival preacher man, backed up by a joyous choir and showboat organ. "Soul It Screams" is breezy and notably restrained, while piano-led “Delilah” evokes Leon Russell. And "Bipolar Love" is full of contrasts: low-key guitar and a wailing solo on the bridge; lush strings and modest hand drums. "If we grow together/ Then I know forever can be mine,” King sings, sounding like he’s been to therapy and got something out of it. © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz

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Mood Swings

Marcus King

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Mood Swings