aaamusic | On 12, Nov 2012

Southwest London singer-songwriter Marcus Foster is highly regarded because of his moody blend of folk, blues, soul and Americana. His heroes are Prince, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, St.Vincent, Van Morrison and Otis Reading. Nameless Path, his debut album on Communion/Polydor/Geffen, received critical acclaim last year.

His new 6 track EP, Last House, was recorded in a barn in rural Sussex and is released on November 12th, 2012 on the Big Ship label.

The Motown soul number Worn Down By Time adds a touch of traditional gospel, the merged horns and strummed guitar being reminiscent of Wilson Picket. I Won’t Let Love Get In The Way has a reflective and beautiful country feel. In This Town effectively combines moving lyrics with a simple acoustic guitar and The Last House is an instrumental with a quiet intensity.

Marcus is very experimental and has an ability to surprise, creating music which is pleasant and atmospheric. His devoted followers refer to him as relaxing, stunning and amazing. Personally, I can see the appeal of his husky, swaggering style and raw, croaky voice.

Track list: Worn Down By Time, I Won’t Let Love Get In The Way, In This Town, Strange Woods, The Last House and Solid Ground.

★★★★★

Anthony Weightman