Listen to Philly multi-instrumentalist Will Brown’s debut album No Relief
Multi-instrumentalist Will Brown is no stranger to the Philly music scene. Playing in multiple Philly groups such as Deadfellow and Rylan Brooks, Brown has made his presence known around the region. This week, he released his album No Relief, entirely recorded and mixed by himself. The record spreads through multiple styles and textures and is a compelling listen for fans of anything from psych rock to hip-hop.
The record begins with a short intro, which transitions into the acoustic-rocking “Blurring,” featuring JT Beaver. The tune is a singer-songwriter jam which features soft percussion and a roaring guitar solo near the end. The tables turn as the album goes into “Boomshakalaka,” a short and rowdy Led-Zepplin-esque tune that features ripping guitar playing, tight bass and rambunctious drum mashing. “Four” slows things down and transitions back into “Blurring” territory with a strong guitar melody, above smooth organ lines and a moving synth bassline.
The album takes a complete left turn with the track “Bootlicker,” featuring Philly keyboardist Logan Roth of Trap Rabbit. The smooth hip-hop inspired tune grooves steadily the entire way through, assisted by lively drums and atmospheric fx, providing a unique texture. These elements are supported by Roth’s syncopated keyboard notes, while chopped vocals are scattered throughout. The next song, “Sunday 4/28,” is the most stripped back tune of the bunch, and sees Brown noodling artfully on his acoustic guitar.
“No Relief,” which ends the project out on a vocally-driven note. “I can’t get no relief,” Brown sings as a soft drum loop supports his manipulated vocals and guitar riffs. A giant synth bass plays throughout the tune, ending the project off on a big note. No Relief is a diverse yet entertaining set of tracks, carefully thought out and executed. As we hear on its songs, and as Brown showed onstage last night at Ortlieb’s for the final show of The Dawn Drapes’ May residency, he’s a Philly artist to put on your radar as soon as possible. Listen to No Relief below.