‘Serving up a musical cocktail of relatable lyricism and infectious grooves, it’s a party you won’t want to leave.’
Intro to The Last Morrell
First coming to the attention of Listen to Discover back in 2019 via the playlisted ‘Another Boy’, The Last Morrell returns with debut EP ‘Sarcasm. ‘Releasing his only single of 2020 ‘A Comedy’ which also features the luscious vocals of Caitlyn Scarlett, he would have been forgiven for including this on the new release. However, showcasing his wonderful knack for delivering high-quality musicianship and lyricism that brings a smile to your face, all four tracks are brand new. Individually strong as each other, The Last Morrell has managed to achieve 15 minutes of musicality that provides powerful vocals, curious grooves, heartfelt lyricism, stirring drama and moments of real reflection. But, just in case that wasn’t enough, as ‘The Party’ proves he can also turn social awkwardness into a humourous, stylish and brilliantly irresistible track.
Track Review
Immediately bursting into life with a somewhat Billy Joel meets Stevie Wonder-esque sound, this opening track on ‘Sarcasm’ packs a punch from the word go. Ticking away in the background we have mid 70s high-hat. Front and centre we have bass synth and electric piano. And together they make one hell of an infectious groove. Causing you to move as it shifts between on and off-beat accents it’s a wonderfully stylistic way to start a track, and for that matter, an EP. Equally, in providing such an early showcase of influences, you hope that it carries on through the track.
Perfectly blending with the surroundings, the initial vocals that greet us are ones that bring a whole host of enjoyment. Causing a smile to appear across your face, opening lines “When you’re tryna find a good excuse for leaving, the door is only there” you soon realise that this party that we are being invited to is one filled with irony. Shifting through the first verse at pace, these lyrical influences continue to play an integral role to the success of the track. However, the way in which the accompanying features reflect them is just as important.
Serving multiple purposes, both the instrumental harmonies that underpin these early phrases, and the freer ones, carry with them a great sense of character. Wonderfully depicting those truly wanting to be there, the metronomic motifs appear strut inducing and full of confidence. Meanwhile, delicate high pitch bell motifs emulate the slinky movement around the venue. To be honest, with this tantalising musical cocktail, it makes you wonder why anyone wouldn’t want to be there. And what happens next really emphasises this.
Switching from the groove centred musicality, the first of the atmospheric alternations which generate the air of structure occurs. As though a wooziness has descended over us, we find ourselves being tempted by a swirling mix of almost psychedelic electric guitar whines, floaty sustained synths and much less regular drum patterns. Meanwhile, the vocal content talks appropriately of “spinning across the room” in softer, than powerful manner causing each of the intentions to become one whole. These, as hinted essentially form the chorus. However unlike most, when this one occurs, each time the signposts are in the instrumental elements, and the linked, though not identical lyricism.
Returning to the verse content, each time we experience this the vocals, as you would imagine, move the story of the track along. But each time it does, it delves deeper into the somewhat relatable awkwardness of being at a gathering you may want to leave but can’t. Addressing the sense of feeling alone, “does everyone still smoke?” projects desertion. Contrastingly, the setting of “now the host is asking me a question” wonderfully reflects not wanting to talk to anyone and getting away. It’s actually so beautifully ironic that it feels completely perfect.
Building on the sensations felt in those aforementioned chorus elements, and with “another drink having made it’s way to [us]”, as we head toward the end of the track it feels as though a decision has been made. Like we’ve now had, not just one, but a few too many, we aren’t gently spinning, but spiralling into a drink-fuelled abyss. Intoxicating, like the best liquor you really do want to enjoy every last sip of musicality. However, while you may want even more, the echoing and effect-filled setting of “can I go?” suggests that not only have you already had enough, but that the best thing to do, is “go nowhere” and remain at the party you always wanted to be at.
