Black Eyed Soul
Almost Fiction
Phase 2 Records
Born on the sandy beaches of Florida and raised in the rolling hills of Tennessee, they’ve learned a few things during their impressive 25-year story. And with the release of their 12th record, Black Eyed Soul reveal their best and brightest lesson so far — they’ve learned how to have fun.
Released early this summer, the 12-track collection finds musical partners Andrew and Misty Marcus kicking ass and taking liberties, stretching out stylistically from their previous records. Oddly, by looking back for inspiration from the likes of T. Rex and Cheap Trick, the celebrated Americana duo actually moves forward, as Almost Fiction is a big and bouncy banger.
“It’s homegrown DIY music — a 50/50 songwriting and production effort,” says Andrew of the new record. “All instruments were recorded in-house, just the two of us at our Phase 2 home studio.”
Both Andrew and Misty appear proud of their fresh batch of what they refer to as “bite-sized pop songs.” “We were trying to keep all the lyrics positive and inspiring,” says Andrew. “We’re taking you on a fun journey — a 36-minute break from the world.”
In addition to their crisper, more playful songwriting and total DIY musical performances, the team of Marcus & Marcus also focused fully on the record’s production factor, like a wild-eyed Brian Wilson creating a masterpiece, while Mike and Murry stand in the corner of the control room, arms crossed, eyes rolling.
“We approached it and mixed it as if it was our first record,” says Andrew. “We wanted all the nuances in personality to be heard. In today’s day and age, where everyone is plugged into earbuds and headphones, we wanted to be intimate and share with the listener the time and space in reality that we were in.”
Almost Fiction comes on strong, straight out the gate. But LOOK OUT, it’s the record’s “back nine” that will really clobber ya, from the sultry, gospel-tinged “Best Soul” to the chaotic, guitar-driven “Undone.” Heck, “Dirty Looks” feels so (personally) comfy and familiar, I swear that when I listen really close, I can hear the clickety-clack of Butch Walker’s legal team trotting up the steps to the Marcus’ Knoxville studio.
I’ve said it before about a few of their previous releases: “This is the best Black Eyed Soul effort to date.” But it’s always true, as their records just get better and better. Andrew confessed that with Almost Fiction, he and Misty hoped to create their “Pet Sounds.” Mission accomplished.
Black Eyed Soul Almost Fiction Track List
Love You Too Much 3:07
Respect Your Time 3:44
Confidence 4:04
Leave Your Mark 2:42
Crush 3:27
Zander 2:56
Idiot Love Child 1:33
Best Soul 2:33
Undone 2:01
Plain Jane
Dirty Looks 4:00
Grateful 3:48
