William Street Strikers ~ Lavender Marriage: A Music Review
Written by Tony Bates on May 23, 2023
Imagine what the 1960s would sound like if they were transferred to the year 2023, with all the production and mastering aids that are now available.
Have you heard of The William Street Strikers-hey, did I hear somebody shout ‘Who?’ If that was you, then this is an album you need to listen to.
Tammy, this decade’s version of Lola (by The Kinks) is a masterpiece, even with short nails and a prescription for Stan. What a man, and what a woman- the Dux of Cool. Where do these lyrics come from? Andrew sings this in such a manner, that you cannot help being drawn in and want to hear more; when is part 2 due? This could stand on its own as a Single and give the independent charts a well-deserved shake up.
The first track Candles confused the hell out of me at first; that bass came rolling in (well done Denis) and I was expecting something similar to: I Can’t Explain, but no the song takes a sharp right turn and is very much 2023s music, in fact one could say 2024 and is very much owned by the band without drawing on any past influences. Not many bands have that tightness and with Hands Off My Paper Andrew’s voice goes straight into a great lead guitar break and the band combines into a single entity which not many are capable of.
The final track, Pieces, has Andrew at his most mellifluous, backed by piano and violin, which has that feeling of desolation but beneath it all one can hear the strength of the lyrics’ meaning pushing to the fore ready to take on the despair. It is one of those songs that many will be able to relate to and as a finale brings that touch of brilliance to this release.
There are other tracks, but they are for you to discover and I’m not going to ruin a well versed release by giving all its secrets away.
All due respects to all members of the band for “LAVENDER MARRIAGE” for making it one of this year’s best independent releases. Check it out online, but having done that ensure you purchase it too.
Tony Bates
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