William the Conqueror - Bleeding on the Soundtrack

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William the Conqueror reigning supreme 

William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 and defeated Harold at the battle of Hastings in the same year to claim the English throne. Oh, sorry wrong one, the slightly less blookthirsty one is a moniker of Ruarri Joseph a singer songwriter ably accompanied by Naomi Holmes and Harry Harding to make the full band. ‘Looking for the Cure’ is the second William The Conqueror album following 2017’s ‘Proud disturber of the Peace’.

This record deals with human vices and emotions and taking control of them with divorce and addiction being overcome on their own way and with the cathartic help of making songs about it. But that makes it sound a lot bleaker than it is, the album opens with ‘Path of the Crow’ which is in fact an uplifting tune and the first line of the song (and whole record) is “another fine day” so quite the opposite in fact.

‘Thank me Later’ comes next and in fact is a tune I recall from a set he did last year supporting Wildwood Kin in Bath, always a good sign when you can recognise a tune over a year later. It moves onto the focus of the album which is rooted in Blues and Americana sound. This sound continues into the slightly slower paced ‘The Burden’ before picking up into the almost White Stripes like title track ‘Bleeding on the Soundtrack’.

Overall there is a positive message to the album ‘Sensitive Side’ is quite an upbeat number but focussing on self-reflection, recognising life’s failures and coming out stronger on the other side which is something most people have to contend with at one time in their lives. The album closes on ‘Within Your Spell’ which builds to a satisfying crescendo.

The album was a bit of a slow burner for me but once I had listened a few times I think I got what he was trying to get across more as it is one to enjoy for the lyrics too and not just the well crafted tunes. This is album number two of a life telling trilogy, while we can enjoy this one for a time yet, it has certainly whetted the appetite to hear how the story unfolds.

Review by Jon Cooper

Check out the video to 'Looking for the Cure' below...