As we fall deeper into the mainstream push for processed, AI-generated music, there is, as there always has been, a strong and growing underground scene, within which the true artists, raw and unfiltered, drive forth a creative revolution. The songwriting, the performances, the arrangements, come from the heart, include honesty, unique expression, memories, and are pristinely imperfect.
UK songwriter and artist Marc Woosnam encapsulates these human qualities, throughout the poetic depth, vulnerability, emotional grit and energy of his distinct new album Paper Crown.
This is a genuine and live-sounding project, built around acoustic guitar and natural vocals, meandering from the delicate and breathy to the impassioned and even falsetto. All the while, the songwriter blends personal anecdotes, scenes and stories, with relatable metaphors and resolves. And all of this is made clear from the outset, as the piano-led melancholic optimism and romantic contemplation of Angel Islington introduces things, along a line carefully uniting pain and possibility.
Style-wise there’s something a touch like Radiohead to this opener, but then we move into a rhythmic pattern and more soulful, long-form vocals, as Therapy takes things one level deeper in the introspective ocean of thought. In this case, you can feel the live acoustic aspect of Marc Woosnam’s music, a live performer at work, no doubt set to grace some local stages around Bracknell and beyond this winter.
Self-described as blending hints of grunge, folk, and blues, Marc Woosnam captures a sense of songwriting first with this collection, and on that note, the haunting, echoing sadness of Endless resounds as a captivating early highlight. There’s a darkness and uncertainty to the lyrics and the wave-like vocal outpouring, and the music is fearlessly minimalist alongside that.
Arrangement always matters with the art of the album, and as such, Confelicity is quick to lift the pace – a colourful pairing of sporadic piano and fast-strummed guitar, for an alt-pop folk-punk exploration of intriguing reflections and feelings. The creativity here is snappy and distinct, while maintaining that original and recognisable thread of rhythm, melody and concept intertwined.
Then for Imposter, we enter a more humble realm, something like Goo Goo Dolls during their softer moments, letting the voice and vulnerability lead the way.
Riff-wise Prosperity (Paper Crown Version) is another clear highlight. The layered harmonies feel reminiscent of Stone Sour to me, a passionate yet intimate portrayal, and a long-form melody that’s both original and satisfying.
Collide is equally compelling, bringing piano and distant strings to an ambient mix, with a second vocalist adding something of an evocative Amy Lee twist of dynamic to the sound. Then for Bliss, finger-picking and whispered ideas tell another poetic story of the impact and power of real connection. This track builds up beautifully, with a huge and gritty rock hook, and a dash of the nineties to its lightly echoed refrain.
The guitar sound is equally hypnotic in Folly Of Fools, that yesteryear influence embracing the long-time alt-rock and folk-pop fans. Then quite unexpectedly, we enter an almost jolly European time signature and groove, but with a piercing falsetto lead adding a story that intrigues and fascinates, for Lords & Ladies.
At the final hurdle, Marc Woosnam surrounds his audience with new instrumental charm, delicacy, and a dreamlike, hopeful curtain call, Push/Pull elevating harmonised vocals that feel soulful and again poetically enchanting.
Unconfined by genre is the songwriter who writes because there is no real alternative. The songs are the answers to our inner conflicts and concerns – they provide solace, an outlet, and some kind of clarity, and you can feel that as an observer of Paper Crown. The authenticity is impossible to fake, and the emotion woven into each performance, each original song, reinforces that throughout.
Download Paper Crown via Bandcamp. Find Marc Woosnam through his Website or follow on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook.
