Tune It Out
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A Wisconsin artist with an affinity for grunge, alt-rock and modern indie sounds, this sophomore album of Marsden’s themes of life, learning, and growth are surrounded by powerful, emotive and dynamic songwriting.
“End On End” opens the listen with flowing acoustic guitar and Brett Walter’s thumping drums alongside Marsden’s smooth vocals in the subdued alt-rocker, and the title track follows with plenty of dense rock that’s packed with gritty melodies amid a punk spirit that’s charged and vocally diverse.
“Running In The Dark” occupies the middle spot and is quite dreamy, where intimacy and emotion meet with much creativity, while “Obvious” builds into a fluid, harmonic, modern rock album highlight.
“American Dream” and “Fruitless” exit the listen, where the former is gentle and poetic, and the latter finishes with a bare but glowing instrumental that illustrates a rare diversity from the enormous talent.
Marsden also plays in the Nashville pop-rockers The Cancellations, and has a background eclectic enough to be a part of funk, ska and Offspring tribute bands. His solo work might remind you of Jerry Cantrell, Neil Young, David Gilmore or John Frusciante, and his stunning attention to detail and texturing makes every track here worth repeated listens.
Travels well with: Mars Hall- Is Anybody Out There?; Dizzy Box Nine- Radio Fiction