Actor turned singer-songwriter Michael Malarkey returns to the UK for his first release on Sheffield’s iconic folk record label, Hudson Records. Yorkshire is currently the flavour of the month for Malarkey, who is currently co-starring with Sheffield’s Sean Bean in new series The Oath.
Self-described as neuva-Americana poetry, or “Indie-laden Americana” (Alt Press), the new songs are a further development of the songwriting and production that hit fans ears on debut album ‘Mongrels’ back in 2017. Lead single ‘Captain Solitaire’ especially demonstrates an open-minded approach to production and instrumentation, challenging the boundaries of modern folk music whilst maintaining the signature Malarkey baritone vocals.
‘Friends’ references the difficulties balancing a ridiculous filming schedule with touring like a road horse the past two years, only embellishing the theme of the loneliness revealed in the new songs on the EP with lyrics like “trying real hard to keep my friends, they always seem to have other plans, people to see, places to be, bet they get together without me.” ‘Bloody Nose’ is a melancholy drenched, Nick Cave-inspired number that closes the EP with a solemn piano featuring prominently throughout and a nod back to the beginnings of Malarkey’s songwriting from his inaugural release ‘Feed The Flames’ back in his Vampire Diaries days in 2014.
This EP is an expressive show reel of tangled emotions and a reflection on the ambivalence of isolation in the modern world; building on the narrative of the album that preceded it and giving a nod at what’s to come.
Captain Solitaire EP will drop Wednesday 23rd May 2018 via Hudson Records, just before Malarkey heads on a 17-date European tour (dates below) including shows in London, Glasgow and Ireland.
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