Jess Denham

Amidst a recent tidal wave of male singer-songwriters, Marcus Foster is remarkably far from ordinary. Described by Communion Records as “metaphorically dropped from a rambling Kerouac chapter”, throughout his debut album he effectively balances raw passion with understated poise.

Displaying a soulful integrity that far surpasses his 24 years, Foster expresses a guileless yet unmistakably masculine sensitivity on tracks such as ‘I Don’t Need to Know’ and latest single ‘I Was Broken’, whilst the dispersal of upbeat tracks amongst slower laments ensures that the album’s energy never once drops.

Stand-out track ‘Shadows of the City’ is a slick bluesy slice of urban sexiness, given edge by moments of almost primal intensity. Contained and composed with flashes of uninhibited vivacity, Foster presents a masterclass on the use of tension-building silence as trembling guitar forms a haunting support for his gravelly vocals. Here is a record worthy of accolade, yet to be released but somehow already timeless.

5/5

Nameless Path is released on 26 September via Communion/Polydor Records.

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