A throwback, swinging rock sound delights on “Bolt of Lightning,” a bustling success from London-based Chris Marksberry and his upcoming album, The Perry Vale Sessions. Representing the first single from that sophomore full-length, “Bolt of Lightning” enamors in its scenic, heartfelt lyricism and rock/folk intertwining. Marksberry’s sound embraces its own original attitude, while also infusing influences that span from Laurel Canyon folk and counter-culture nostalgia to classic songwriters like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Lowell George and Joni Mitchell.

The track and its video open with stormy-night ambience, as lightning and the sound of crackling thunder quickly move into a rollicking, jangly rock allure. “Midnight, drinking all alone,” Marksberry’s steady vocals let out, admitting “I nearly lost the baby that I loved” as the guitars keep chugging along. “Here comes the morning, oh my aching head,” the vocals assume a more vibrant commiseration and flashes of organs and playful vocal harmonies infuse, again echoing the stormy-day setting with its thunderclap comparisons and soul-hitting bolt of lightning.

“You’re the bolt of lightning, hit me, in the soul,” his fierce vocals continue with feverish ascent, touting admissions of wrongdoing, though with good-meaning sentiments — traversing well into another spirited “aching head” introspection. Showing fond shades of Deacon Blue in its mixture of no-frills rock ‘n’ roll with emotive jangle-pop aspects, “Bolt of Lightning” is an electrifying standout from Chris Marksberry.

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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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