I’m finally back and hopefully I won’t have to see the inside of another hospital for a good, long time.
I’ve been sitting on my hands to tell you about Michael Leonard Witham’s debut since I first listened to in August. A Scandal in the Violets is the kind of album that made me want to write this blog in the first place.
Witham’s voice and songwriting style is reminiscent of Michah Schnabel’s solo work (“Sorry Girl But the Show is Over” could easily have come from his pen.) However, Witham is a rougher around the edges than Schnabel, which is not a bad thing. Instead of drawing self-conscious inspiration from other literary works, Witham’s songwriting is much more direct — which is to say, it’s gut-punchingly honest.
Comparisons aside, though, Witham absolutely stands on his own. This is folk punk at its best, stately music and rough-hewn themes, simple melodies and vivid lyrics. This is the magical sweet spot so many (and believe me, there are many) strive for but never quite achieve. Witham’s got staying power and I can’t wait to see what happens next.