William Elliot Whitmore – Radium Death
Reviewed by: Rob Skalecki
Rating: 7/10
William Elliot Witmore: He’s the Iowa-Native folk singer who sounds like Iowa should. And his newest album Radium Death fits that ticket. Witmore’s brutally honest lyrics and bottomless, rusty vocals achieve a sort of authenticity that many musicians of the Midwest can only attempt to mimic. Not surprisingly, Whitmore’s Radium Death is mainly a collection of sorrow filled songs, which effortlessly rotate between the hot overdrive of electric guitar and gentle twang of a banjo—not skipping any style in between. The album’s first track “Healing to do” sounds as if Johnny Cash joined the Clash to sing with Strummer for a rock n’ roll chart-topper. In a different light, the second track, “Civilization,” echoes of a Pete Seeger-esque “man, nature and instrument against society” decree. The tracks are never out of place, and the album flows through. He even manages to slip in a fun song about a good ol’ Midwestern party with “South Lee County Brew.” On the other hand, much of his tracks encompass the same themes—distress, pain and death top the list. And it suits him well. But really, judging by the album’s name…. is that too hard to believe? William Elliot Whitmore’s voice is like a bonfire: It’s comforting, warm and prominent; it crackles, howls and flares in a low magnificent matter. Based off this recording, I imagine his live shows are nothing short of incredible. If you want something a bit more refreshing and genuine than your typical bro-country or indie pop on the radio, it’s a good time to check out William Elliot Whitmore.
RIYL: Charlie Parr, Jake Bugg, Chuck Ragan, Jason Isbell, Lucero
FCC: Clean
Favorite Tracks: 2, 5, 1, 4
