Mark Murphy, the punk scene stalwart who has played in bands from Crocodile God to The No Marks amongst others and been out there playing solo acoustic gigs up until Covid struck has a new lockdown inspired venture, the above mentioned Mark Murphy and the Meds.
There’s full album on the way and whilst Mark is currently playing most parts himself he says that once lockdown is over there is a full lineup involved and ready to play live. There’s a single already released so we gave it a listen.
It starts low key a descending guitar/bass and some melodic guitar riff work before the power chords crash in. These do not overpower a sweet melodic tune with some heartfelt loneliness inspired lyrics.
We are treated to a gem of a melodic lead break - more Mick Ronson than shred guitar slinger style, clever without being contrived, just years of ace songwriting under Marks belt coming out in lead break form.
There is a hint of the glam rock about this track and the subdued style also allows the personal nature of the lyrics and the tunefulness of the song shine through. It would have been easy to cover the gentle melancholic melody with an over the top power chord assault but Mark does not fall into this trap and instead delivers a wistful yet still powerful ace of a single. Its still powerful and full on though just its paced well.
The full album is due in the next couple of months and we’ll review it when it arrives.
Words: RBY, photos: Band Media, RBY
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