Cornwall, England – I did my research. A rural county on the southwest peninsula of Great Britain, Cornwall is mostly known for its folk scene. And though I wouldn’t mind a new folk release, I was pleasantly surprised when the alternative-indie rock trio William The Conqueror came across my desk with their upcoming fourth album.
Excuse Me While I Vanish, I’m told, is an album that nearly wasn’t made. As many artists/creators experienced during lockdown restrictions, Ruarri Joseph (frontman) found himself often questioning his creative future. Sitting in this feared uncertainty, Joseph sought out inspiration in his wife – a mental health social worker immersed in the intense realities of those dark times. This gave Joseph the renewed focus to weave together what ultimately feels like a 10 song confrontation of this time period, to be released on July 28.
We start with what feels like a seedy drive through genetic trauma. A Lou Reed-esque talking track that sits heavy in your headphones. “The Puppet And The Puppeteer” is peppered with poetry and driving rhythm, a fitting opening to a chaotic (and I mean this in the best way possible) dive into lyrics soaked with compassion and music influenced by the many realms of rock and roll.
As we end our six minute opener and roll into “The Bruises,” I think the listener can quickly pick up the overall takeaway for this album. It’s a lovely roller coaster of styles, both vocally and musically. “The Bruises” is one example of some of the more southern-rock Americana jams you can find with this release. It’s a fully alive tune addressing a struggling relationship, either from a bad fight or a burnt out flame. The latest of three singles from Excuse Me While I Vanish, this track immediately shows the trios’ range.
I went back and forth trying to pin point the key influences of this album and what I’ve determined is, there are a LOT. It’s my favorite part of the entire production. A song such as “Somebody Else” may remind you of Jason Isbell or The War on Drugs while “L.W.Y.” just before that may be reminiscent of My Morning Jacket. “Sheepskin Sleeve,” with its hesitant slow crawl paving way to an ultimate unleash mid-way through, had me thinking of both Nick Cave and various classic Blues tracks.
Simply put, the album is peppered with rock familiarities that keep you engaged the whole way through. Additionally, Joseph’s craft of switching from a talk-singing style to a more melodic rock delivery is truly impressive. The band also maintains a cohesive feel while switching up individual songwriting approaches and to me, this really drives it all home.
We hope you give Excuse Me While I Vanish a listen on July 28. In the meantime, check out “The Bruises” below:
The Indy Review 
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