Mark Howard, a singer-songwriter from Phillip Island, Australia has just released his debut album, Passing Strangers.
With a background in theatre, years of experience performing, and being able to place 45 pins into his world map of countries performed, it is tough to believe that Mark Howard only released his solo music debut album, Passing Stranger, in December 2022. The album features what might be described as Mark’s signature ‘swampy’ sound while pushing the boundaries of folk, rock, blues, and alt-country. Notably, it is the inclusion of elements from pop, electronic, and lo-fi music in an unobtrusive way while also stirring all genres together that grab the listener and refuse to let go. The 12-track album is thoroughly dynamic and is sure to reveal new elements with each listen.
Listeners begin their journey with the opening track, “Pick Me Up,” a plea to be elevated beyond our current circumstances. Energy levels rise before transitioning onto the “Wide Open Road,” which is of course as much to listen to while driving as it is while dancing (if you’re into that kind of thing). A personal favorite of Mark’s, “Here I Am” is an emotive love song that pours through memory lane with a sense of longing. “LOVE” stands out as a track that travels the outskirts of synthpop, while “Lighthouse” maintains a strong ethereal quality. “I Am Not Afraid” is a rousing call to arms in this battle of life, and closing track to “To be a Man is a Curse” plays like you’re sitting in a room with Mark at the piano singing only to you.
Passing Strangers is available now on all major platforms, including Mark Howard’s Bandcamp and we added “Wide Open Road” to our Alchemical Spotify playlist.
Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, writer, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the frontman for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band YellowTieGuy, as co-founder of Capitol Groove Collective, and increasing the exposure of artists on a global scale through his work with Alchemical Records.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
