Since the release of his critically acclaimed debut album 'Nameless Path' at the end of last year, Marcus Foster has been fervently working away, penning new songs and subjecting himself to a grueling - yet not all together unpleasant - worldwide touring schedule, taking in venues from all over the UK, Europe and especially the US.
His efforts haven’t gone unrewarded, and in September will be supporting Michael Kiwanuka on tour in the US, followed by his own 14 date tour of the States, then more tour dates in the UK. Full details to be announced soon...
The single track and free download are a taster of things to come and precede the forthcoming mini-album ‘The Last House’ - scheduled for release October 2012. Recorded in a barn in Sussex, England, Marcus says The Last House is his most diverse, yet complete release to date.
Worn Down By Time starts off as a swampy, Anglo-Americana affair, but culminates in an uplifting gospel-tinged crescendo in the vein of the Motown classics such as Wilson Picket, perhaps with a pinch of Springsteen or Black Keys influence tucked in there too. All gloriously belted out in Foster’s unmistakable bourbon-drenched husk.
I Won’t Let Love Get In The Way is a slightly more solemn and reflective number which brings back the influences to Britain’s folky shores. It’s a reminder of why Marcus Foster sits high on the list of the UK’s top singer-songwriters and underlines why his songwriting is so highly regarded by critics and fans alike.
In his own words: "These songs we recorded in just under ten days, they are pretty raw but I feel like they have captured the energy I put into my live shows.
"I wanted Worn Down by Time to sound similar to an old Otis Redding song or a bit like the way Van Morrison played with The Band on The Last Waltz. It has an old school sound to it and I can't wait to play it live with a horn section."
Catch Marcus Foster live:
Michael Kiwanuka support tour (US)
18.09.12 - New York - Webster Hall
19.09.12 - Boston - Paradise Rock Club
20.09.12 - Philadelphia - Trocadero
23.09.12 - Detroit - Magic Bag
Full US, European and UK tour dates and more news to be announced - watch this space!