Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

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Malcolm Tollan - What Will I Do Without You (song review) |Texas Rose Records, The Malcolm Tollan Project, Vol. 4, 2011|

It's not a secret that music has its biggest impact during the teenage years or at least into early your 20's. Then your taste turns to more specific tunes or genres which could still change years later, yet you continue to return to the songs you loved as a youngster. Even though they may sound old-school these days. These specific songs touched a hidden part of you back then and now let you reconnect with your younger, emotional ego. Regardless whether the songs bring good or bad memories, they're always about the intense issues you faced in your past.

If you grew up in the 70’s and still miss the Hippie culture, you can jump back into that time again by listening to "What Will I Do Without You" without needing to dust off any old LPs. It’s a beautiful ballad kept in a vibe of rock and blues music. Every part of this composition appears soothing to the ears. From the slow tempo and classic arrangements through Hendrix & Santana-esque plaintive guitar riffs, to soft drum beats and warm bass lines. In addition, singer David Black vocals stay in a perfect match with memorable and repetitive arrangements.

The ending phrases of the song with leading guitar tunes and keyboards in the background even sound a bit Progressive. It seems to be a popular and effective method to end such a composition. Making the final part of a track can be a challenge for a songwriter or composer. However the American-born Malcolm Tollan can be called an expert after 50 years as a songwriter, first inspired by The Beatles who triggered his interest in a music career. You'll find this influence in his other work too.

The main feeling brought up by this track is loneliness, therefore "What Will I Do Without You" sounds like a perfect fit for a movie soundtrack as well. It could accompany romantic love scenes, a lone highway drive or any classic cinema moments. Moreover, the same theme holds a sentiment towards by-gone events. This way, the song could illustrate one's past happy days played out in slow motion and supported by original, scratched and torn photographs.

"What Will I Do Without You" is an interesting listening experience whether you wish to travel into the past or if you prefer to discover further plains.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, March 18th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)

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