Mark Moule - Only Love
Mark Moule revives the weary spirit with an intimate, meaningful blues rock album, 'Only Love'! If you've been feeling the blues, this compact 4-track debut album, 'Only Love' from British singer/songwriter Mark Moule will heal you deeply. Its brilliance lies in its honesty and authenticity. Mark's evocative Bono-esuqe vocals and simple, soothing string-led folk arrangements have won over our hearts. In a time of machine-generated, over-the-top production and effects, Mark's straightforward, soulful compositions remind us of what it really means to be human again. Mark draws his inspiration from legendary vocalists and songwriters like Phil Collins & Cat Stevens, to name a few. It reflects in his debut EP's emotional core, one rooted in reflection, vulnerability, and the universally relatable search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. 'Only Love' was created alongside fellow musician Andy McManus in a homely studio setup, exhibiting all signs of a proper grassroots project. The opening track, 'Coming Down' is a delightfully slow-burning blues groove that envelops you like a warm embrace. Mark's soft, evocative vocals plead desperately for some relief, some upliftment from the Lord above. It's the kind of emotional score we could envision in a telling closing scene in a Drama TV series like 'The Wire'. Its simply constructed, moving at a leisurely tempo, yet its piercing in its vulnerability and reflection. At almost 5 mins, it's a considerable composition that is in no hurry. Indented by beautiful bluesy guitar, light crisp drums and Mark's seasoned drawl. If you've been having a hard time at life in general, this feels like THE song to relate to. For a sense of release, relief and surrendering to what is. The title track, "Only Love" blooms radiantly, lifting us out of the gloom of the previous. It illuminates with glimmering acoustic strums, soft percussions and swelling violin atmospherics. 'These days, life's a video game; God got the controls....', croons Mark encouragingly. His soft, intimate prose seeks to imbue you with hope, resillence and most of all, love. He sings to the exhaustion and spirit-crushing ways of the modern life and prescribes only one way forward. 'Its only love', he affirms, melodically. His words shine with earnestness and motivation, without ever feeling preachy. Instead, he's awakening a long-dormant spirit and faith that were dimmed by the burdens of modern life. We learn that this song came to Mark in a dream, and that gives the track an ethereal, spiritual aura that you can't help but feel close to. 'Only Love' touches the heart and spirit like few other tracks today can. Because it chooses hope and upliftment, expressed in the most caring, human way, through easygoing warmth. One of our favorite tracks of the year so far! One that, indeed, we all needed to hear! 'Where's The Money Gone' shifts up into a wilder, playful tone. Distortion riffs, funky grooves and Mark's vocals intensified. He takes square aim at the capitalistic ways and the extreme means to which people will go to chase those little pieces of paper and coin. We love the range and versatility Mark is exhibiting through this album. From soft ballads to protest blues-rock, Mark is capable of it all. 'Killer' closes out the album with moody strums and Mark's serious vocals. He shines light on the harsher, oft-ignored realities of life. Again, it's the simplicity and authenticity of the composition that shines through. Frank lyrics, raw arrangements and pure soul. It makes for a compelling listen that hits home, deep and true. 'Killer' is a cleverly coded message to the brutal, dog-eat-dog ways of this world and asks you where you fit into this system. Do you Kill or Do you Let Live? 'Only Love' is a gem of an album that evokes emotional depth and passion-packed prose. Its a stunning introduction to Mark Moule's warm human folk/blues rock sound, and we're left captivated by his charm and authenticity.
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