Serving up a captivatingly introspective rock sound throughout, Marauder (That Was Once Joy) is the seventh full-length album from singer-songwriter Brian Halloran, pairing melodic songwriting with a wide-ranging cast of collaborators from the New York music scene. Produced by Halloran and mixed by Ricky Watts, the 15-track collection reflects on aging, desire, regret, and the effort to make the most of life. The album also features performances from many of Brian’s NYC scene bandmates, including Rodney Flood (drums, backing harmonies), Zack Zaro (guitar, backing harmonies), Nicholas Trautmann (bass, backing harmonies), TJ Viola (piano, synthesizer), and singers Kacie Sky, Steph Hurley, and Natalie Colton.
Opening the album, “The Feeling” expands beautifully from jangling guitar allure and delivery wisdom to piano-touched emotion. “Just to know that I could feel, that there’s still fire in my blood,” Halloran’s lead lets out during an especially gripping moment, culminating in a gorgeously soaring guitar solo and dreamy piano adornments. A strong thematic hold, treasuring the ability to feel emotions throughout the human experience, accompanies the memorably melodic production.
The ensuing “Kind” delights in multi-layered phrasing aspirations to “be kind” amidst caressing acoustic guitars; the bright backing harmonies and betterment-minded lyricism stir as well, further establishing themes depicting a personal journey, where one strives to make the most of life within a world where isolation and uncertainty seem rampant. Whether it’s valuing the ability to express and feel emotion, or striving to be kinder to others, the album’s opening one-two punch is immersive and touching. Backing harmonies from Rodney Flood and Kacie Sky are particularly fantastic on “Kind.”
Elsewhere, “Trying to Write the Movie” bursts forth with playful guitar riffs and effervescent keys, while the delivery is relatable in expressing how a rush of thoughts can overwhelm the self, and lead to a sense of trying to choreograph what’s next. “Am I your dream? Or just a thought that bounces off you like a moth against a screen?” the question-laden lyricism shows, aptly capturing the flurry of thoughts that can come alongside a new relationship or change. “A Time, A Time” is another memorable showing, its “never stopped to catch our breath” reflections pairing with vibrant, buoyant guitar pulses, like “Trying to Write the Movie” feeling representative of how modern life can feel like a maddening rush, even during its best moments.
One of the album’s moodiest efforts, “Fool in October” ventures from twinkling keys and classical guitar resemblances into a sophisti-pop allure as doses of piano and guitar venture into a wholly affecting lead performance from Halloran, aided by ghostly backing harmonies; the contemplative stylishness reminds of a cross between Prefab Sprout and The Blue Nile. From midtempo rock highlights like “Radio,” written by acclaimed songwriter Grey Revell, to more spirited displays like “Trying to Write the Movie,” Marauder (That Was Once Joy) is consistent in displaying fantastic, melodic songwriting with thematic heart from Brian Halloran.
Marauder (That Was Once Joy) releases on October 23rd.
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