The enthrallingly natural ability to compellingly tell a relatable story through raw vocals and powerful instrumentals, particularly on a first record, is a tremendously difficult task. But Michael Leonard Witham, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, defied the odds to create a gripping debut album, the folk rock-alternative country-driven ‘A Scandal In The Violets.’ The record, which intriguingly mixes musical style elements of such diverse talents as Jack White, Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams, uniquely explores all corners of the human heart through its soulful vocals and instrumentals.
Witham, who’s set to release the Americana-infused ‘A Scandal In The Violets’ on October 21, proves he’s the true epitome of a genuine up-and-coming singer-songwriter-instrumentalist with his 10 initial songs. The versatile performer only realized he wanted to pursue a full-time musical career after finding a well-worn guitar in a dumpster in the summer of 2010. He then prasiningly taught himself how to play the instrument after watching a few videos on YouTube. In early 2011, he was deservingly the only solo act to be chosen as one of a few select artists to perform in the Arkansas Times Musician’s Showcase.
The musician then began crafting the songs that would eventually appear on ‘A Scandal In The Violets,’ which is a true exhibition of the pain and joy everyone feels throughout their young adult lives. The first three tracks, ‘Sorry Girl But The Show Is Over,’ ‘Down For Good’ and ‘Defective Heart,’ are the most captivating entries on the album. ‘Sorry Girl But The Show Is Over’ instantly introduces listeners to Witham’s surprisingly gritty voice that will sure to leave a pulsating impression on listeners. While his rock-driven voice is a stark contrast to the mellow guitar riffs during the beginning of the song, he memorably chronicles how life has pulled him away from his love. While he apologizes that their love is over, he realizes there’s no need to argue, as they have different life views.
On ‘Down For Good,’ which began with a soothing guitar introduction, Witham becomes more accepting of the fact that his relationship is over. He brazenly begins to recall what upset him about the woman he was involved with, which allows to truly begin healing. ‘Defective Heart’ also entrancingly recalls the faults in her personality, and how they led to their relationship’s demise. The heartbreaking instrumentals and lyrics also taunt her to exploit the emotional scars from their relationship, but he knows that won’t change what truly happened between them.
Other noteworthy songs that are rightfully driven by melancholy are ‘Sideways Grin & A Wandering Eye’ and ‘Ordinary Hand,’ which further explore how well they knew each other’s personalities, and how they’ve been worn down by their experiences. On ‘Sideways Grin & A Wandering Eye,’ Witham passionately emphasizes how he’s been worn down by life, but having the woman he’s involved with deeply know what he’s going through makes it easier for him to survive.
‘Ordinary Hand’ takes another gripping exploration into what’s truly driven their relationship. Witham passionately comes to realize he doesn’t want to just be an ordinary man to her anymore, and refuses to walk away from their problems. Acknowledging that he hasn’t been treating her right since the beginning of their relationship leads him to vow he’ll begin treating her the way she deserves to be regarded.
‘A Scandal In The Violets’ is a strongly passionate and gripping from the multi-talented singer-songwriter-instrumentalist. Despite having taught himself how to play the guitar a little over four years ago, Witham proves on his debut album that he’s a versatile musician who can captivatingly mix such diverse genres as folk rock and alternative country. The intriguing result is an enthralling examination of learning to accept the pain and joys of every relationship, and how accepting your mistakes can not only strengthen your emotions and resolve, but also make your romantic relationship more meaningful.
For more information on Witham, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook and Twitter pages.
Written by: Karen Benardello