John Joseph Brill once fronted Burning Beard, a London-based “doom folk” band. Now he has decided to go it alone, and has recently released his debut solo single, ‘Muscle and Bone’.
The track is a moody and atmospheric slice of alternative rock, supported by Brill’s excellent baritone vocals. Influences include The Bad Seeds, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen, and contains some so-called “menacing viola vibes” from Smoke Fairies collaborator Neil Walsh. Inspired by his recent diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, the song’s gloomy nature veils a sense of determination and resolve. The finale could even be described as triumphant.
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‘Muscle and Bone’ will appear on Brill’s forthcoming Pieces EP. If you can’t wait for that release, head to Notting Hill Arts Club on the 1st of June, where Brill and his band will make their live debut as part of Communion Presents.