"Carolina Confessions," the third studio album from Marcus King, is a captivating journey into the heart of modern blues and blues rock. Released on October 5, 2018, via Fantasy Records, this 10-track album showcases the extraordinary talent of Marcus King, a 22-year-old guitarist and vocalist who hails from a rich musical lineage in Greenville, South Carolina. Produced by the renowned Dave Cobb, this album is a testament to King's expressive playing, soulful singing, and evocative songwriting.
The album opens with the energetic "Where I'm Headed," setting the tone for the spirited Southern rock that follows. Standout tracks like "Goodbye Carolina" and "Confessions" highlight King's ability to blend raw energy with profound lyricism. "How Long," co-written with Dan Auerbach and Pat McLaughlin, adds a touch of collaborative brilliance to the collection. Each song on "Carolina Confessions" is a testament to King's deep-rooted authenticity, with every note and lyric resonating with a genuine Southern gothic sensibility.
Marcus King and his five bandmates—Jack Ryan, Stephen Campbell, Justin Johnson, Dean Mitchell, and DeShawn “D’Vibes” Alexander—deliver a performance that is both controlled and expressive. The album's 48-minute runtime is filled with sonically layered compositions that are as complex as they are engaging. Whether it's the propulsive soul of "Where I'm Headed" or the introspective "Autumn Rains," "Carolina Confessions" is a powerful addition to the modern blues and blues rock canon.