Listening to the soft finger plucking and ebb and flow of hushed vocals, it seems difficult to imagine that one of Paul Marshall’s ventures in music was with the now defunct Concentration Champ; a two piece noise band who wore stockings over their faces and detuned to A.
Having given up restrictive face attire, Paul Marshall greets his audience and the airwaves armed with just himself and his acoustic guitar. Lulled into a false sense of security with gorgeous melodies, the lyrics reveal a darker undercurrent where death, love, regret and murder are all touchstones. Covering the macabre in his songwriting has become his stand out from the broad brush strokes of British folk. Drawing obvious comparisons to Nick Drake, the songs on his debut album ‘Vultures’ match sparse, prettily penned ditties with mature matters of the heart. And what better way to embellish than a healthy addition of cello, courtesy of Åsa Magnusson.
Like every great writer Marshall’s history is an unsettled one. Growing up in London, he then moved to Whitby on the north-east coast where he learnt his trade, aged 18. However the buzz of metropolis called, and Leeds is now home, a vibrant and music soaked city where inspiration is always around the corner.
But in that fantastical and curious way, the past catches up, and where Marshall’s first group Rays Of Helios supported Jenifever, it brought the twain to meet. Extensively touring throughout 2007, with eclectic bills alongside These Monsters, We Vs Death, as well as the aforementioned Jenifever, Paul is least likely to be found down your local ‘acoustic night’. Lending his magnificent singles to several compilations, including the rarity ‘The Horsewoman Came Home’ on Happy Holy Roar and more recently ‘Crossed Stitched Lips’ for On The Bone No.2, as well as joining the Bella Union roster, Paul Marshall is set for a busy and brighter 2008.
Bella Union
First of all i would like to say that ever since i heard you music for the first time I am a fan ! I actually dont use myspace at all, i especially signed up to ask you something !
Where can I find guitar tabs from your songs ? Is there a store i can buy them or are they available online ? Ive been looking everywhere but i was unable to find them. I would like to have especcially the guitar tabs from all the songs of your album Vultures, an old neighbour of mine (he is also playing in a band called john coffee) used to play these songs in the evenings, that's why i know of your music, i just needed to know what he was playing! and he introduced me to your music.
But i lost touch with him since i moved to another city and i don't know anybody else who has the tabs of your songs ! He figuered them out by himself, but i am not able to do so ;) im just starting playing guitar.
If you know where I can find tabs for your songs i would be very thankfull and i'll be playing paul marshall songs alot!
Paul, I really enjoyed your gig the other night and so did all of the people around me. Can't wait for your next London date. Oh and BTW Happy Birthday for tomorrow x
further to our previous conversation... still kicking about musicing around too. if you're about wakey or leeds at the time, pop down to one of these... it'd be nice to catch up.
hope all is well : )
alv x
Gigs!
Wakefield Escobar THIS FRIDAY! 20th March
Leeds The Packhorse (Near the Uni) THIS SATURDAY! 21st March
I might make it to your show in Austin in a few weeks! Not sure yet because I'll be somewhere else in texas. I hope I can go...I really hope so:) Well good luck anyhow! And mabey see u there!
Online Now!
