Norfolk, VA-based singer-songwriter Michael Paul Lawson has released “Wolf By The Tail”, the first taste of his forthcoming EP, Some Fight’s You’ll Never Win, which is all set for release on July 12th.
Bringing to mind the likes of Jason Isbell, Drew Holcomb, Townes Van Zandt and others, “Wolf By The Tail” finds Lawson situated firmly within the broad confines of contemporary Americana. Like any good Americana or folk song, there is a hint of darkness and danger lurking underneath the surface, in this case a love interest who is clearly bad news and a relationship turned toxic.
Produced by Daniel Mendez (Noah Gundersen and The Native Sibling), the single rests in that production sweet spot; it’s neither too polished nor too stripped back. There’s a subtlety to the production and instrumentation that gives the song room to breathe and not detract from that smoky and emotive vocal. It’s tinged with melancholy, but there’s also a lushness here, a nice blend of light and dark.
Poignant, emotive and well-crafted “Wolf By The Tail” is a very welcome introduction to a new voice in the Americana and Alt Country cavalcade. I for one will be keeping an eye out for that EP come July. Below is an acoustic version of the track, but if you want to hear the studio version head HERE.
“Wolf By The Tail” is available now. Some Fights You’ll Never Win is available July 12th. You can find Lawson on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Header Photo by Rico Marcelo
