To Whom It May Concern is a memorable new album from London-based artist Paul Claxton, succeeding across an array of jangly rockers, folk-ready introspection, and throwback stylishness. A longtime, accomplished artist that has supported acts ranging from Robert Plant and 10cc to Bob Geldof and Bruce Foxton, in addition to performing across the UK, Canada, and USA, Claxton’s artistry continues to stir across the excellent To Whom It May Concern.
A wonderfully chilling opener, “Left Haunting You” fuses jangly guitars and late-night organs as solemn vocals exude a smitten emotion — from the “moment I set eyes on you” to the organ-laden “when you close your eyes, do you dream of me?” heartrending questioning. Right away, Claxton shows a tremendous ability for both riveting, moody rock soundscapes and emotively sincere enthrallment. Those talents continue on the fantastic track “Broken, Battered & Bruised,” where twangy guitars and forlorn vocals achieve a more introspective allure. “Time flies by” lyrical contemplations move alongside hazy guitar layers, channeling a sense of ennui as gorgeous guitars resonate across an enveloping final minute.
Another stellar track, “What It’s Like to Lose Someone” stuns in its melding of heightened vocal retrospection and softly impactful folk guitars. “I build a wall around me, as I bend to your will,” Claxton’s vocals let out, asking thereafter “how did it ever come to this?” with a Neil Young-esque vocal charm. The six-minute “Never Before” also excels with gripping songwriting, dazzling with spine-tingling piano work and escalating vocals, admitting a desire to “give my life to wipe away those tears” as a twangy, bouncy rock expanse takes hold. Full of fantastic songwriting and melodically memorable directions, To Whom It May Concern is a fully captivating album from Paul Claxton.
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“Broken, Battered & Bruised” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
