Davy Williamson will make waves with his debut single “Thin Disguise” The Carolinas based musician and songwriter makes his entrance into the worldwide independent scene with a single release that invokes the glory days of guitar-powered alternative rock while still managing to make an individual statement. It forgoes the usual guitar heroics we associate with rock music, for the most part, though the track clearly demonstrates musical skill rather than simplistic or mindless thrashing. There’s an impressive amount of songwriting and musical finesse layered throughout “Thin Disguise” far outstripping what we normally hear from debuting artists of any genre.
His willingness to write about himself with such unabashed candor is a strong point for me. If you like music that’s insular yet still “speaks to you”, Williamson’s songwriting fits the bill. Making such songwriting moves within a guitar rock framework isn’t easy, but “Thin Disguise” makes it sound natural rather than a labored juxtaposition of conflicting styles. The lyrics are written with the clear aim of complementing the music rather than standing out but they are nonetheless rife with the same intelligence informing both the playing and arrangement.
He understands well how the artful orchestration of songwriting dynamics affects listener’s appreciation of the track. “Thin Disguise” has dramatic flair that never calls attention to itself, but nonetheless shapes listener’s response. Much of this is thanks, as well, to his vocal. Williamson embodies the song’s emotional weather with deceptive ease and his voice is a natural fit for this sort of sonic landscape.
There is lead guitar near the song’s end and it has enough of a chaotic edge to further darken the track. It ramps up its energy level a little further as well, though it is illustrative how Williamson uses his toolbox in such an effective yet moderate way. It is the kind of approach you take for granted from much more experienced songwriters and performers, but it radiates from Williamson and “Thin Disguise” without it feeling forced.
It is easy to envision this song kicking off his EP release. Singles are often centerpiece tracks of their releases and there’s no reason to believe the case otherwise with “Thin Disguise”; if the remaining cuts measure up to the same level of excellence, “Thin Disguise” is a five-star introduction to Williamson’s talents. It’s suited for both live performance and radio play despite its occasional edginess. The latter quality, in fact, recommends it for both settings.
Let’s hope he follows this up with an equally memorable release. Smart money says he will. Davy Williamson is writing and performing music marking him for the long haul rather than stamping him with the characteristics of a fly by night performer. “Thin Disguise” a song with staying power rather than preening itself as another disposable pop song in a world teeming with such pedestrian offerings. There’s no doubt Davy Williamson will continue writing and recording songs with the same commitment in the future and rock fans should look forward to hearing his work often and, above all else, loudly.
Jodi Marxbury