Self-proclaimed UK Americana rock band Morganway will release their next studio record ‘Kill The Silence‘ on January 31, 2025 (distributed via Earache Records). Recorded in a whiskey-fuelled four-day haze within the Welsh valleys, Morganway pay homage to life as independent musicians for all its faults and joys, aided along by lead vocalist SJ Mortimer’s incredible vocals. 

The Morgan Twins Kieran (guitar) and Callum (bass, vocals), as well as Matt (keyboard, vocals) and Ed (drums, vocals), are all from Norfolk, where they met at Aylsham High School. The band name comes from the twins’ grandad and the road that was named after him in Norwich.

Nicole (fiddle, vocals), Kieran and SJ (lead vocals) met later in Cambridge and played together for years in a band called SJ & The Flying Pigs and Kieran and SJ are now married. So it’s definitely a bit of a family band! 

The press release tells me:

This album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a passionate statement of intent, which is explored further in its eerie title track. Inspired by the ‘No Music on a Dead Planet’ movement, the song serves as a rallying cry for climate awareness. Lead vocalist SJ wrote this track and explains that:

 ‘After the pandemic, this song spilled out as it felt like stillness went back to chaos. I just don’t understand how climate change is still being put to one side, like it can all wait… it’s something that we should shout out about over the BS and lies. From artists and festivals to organisations like “No Music On A Dead Planet”, the music industry is getting behind this notion more and more, and I’m so here for it.

My Review:

“Don’t Turn the Lights On Yet” is a big celebration song; it stomps all over the amp with a big drum sound and a rocky dance groove. It has its own energy and the vocals soar high.

“Boy on a Train” I really liked. Great vocal performance and the opening carries me along. The song is a celebration of music, and I liked how the lead vocals switch from male to female. Depth of instrumentalisation. The fiddle is bang on in this song, it well and truly slices the mustard.

“Feels Like Letting Go” allows that fiddle to take wings again. Again, a song infused with melody, energy and a chorus that would just blow away the live stage. 

“Edge of the Sun” is a piano-led ballad. The ballad has a big scale; it lifts upward and is emotive

“HalfWay Tonight” is a poppy rocker enjoying the writing of a song for radio. It is such a pleasure to listen to this one; everything is right about it. And if this doesn’t get played on the radio, then nothing will! I will also say that it is the favourite of our editor, Mark, and it is discussed in the feature piece he did with the band and will be posted soon.

“Kill the Silence” changes direction and gives us one of those late-night dance numbers when you are the last dancer on the floor and your partner holds you tight. It has that jazz club feel back in the days when the smoke blew through the atmosphere.

“Devil’s Canyon” provides a country rock feel with this instinctively exciting beat; you can’t ignore this one as it provides vocal harmony with a pounding beat. A very fine song. Those vocals slice it pretty good too.

“God Damn Time” moves to a different beat again. This is a lighter beat, a bit more poppy and a very Radio 2 commercial sound. This is another that would slay those airwaves and those little piano touches work very well too. It is a song to feel alive with. 

“Surrender” is more whimsical, a gentle breeze toward the end of the album. 

“All the Signs are There” opens with a jazzy drum sound and a lead vocal accompanied by some pleasing background harmonies. 

“I Can Feel the Rain” has a rocky edge, quite a fast track with a strong bass and drum beat to anchor the thunder. 

“We Sing” ends back with the piano melodies and a touch of string. I like how the band switches between vocalists, male and female, taking different songs and harmonies.

In summary, melody and harmonies are skillfully employed in this eclectic pleasure of an album. It is like a box of chocolates where every one has a slightly different taste and texture. I would honestly say there are no fillers in this album that doesn’t so much as squeeze that lemon of success; it blasts it upwards on a rocket. A band going places for sure.

Standout Tracks: “Boy on a Train,” “God Damn Time,” and “Halfway Tonight.”

On the subject of going places, Rock the Joint Magazine is catching the tour at the Cluny in Newcastle. They are a band on the rise, and their tour is worth checking out. 

And we hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you and to support the magazine. Please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee for the New Year!

Band website here

Following the release of “Kill The Silence” and their first headline tour in Germany, Morganway will embark on their biggest-ever headline UK tour. Full dates below

The UK Tour 2025

Book tickets here

Wed 2 Apr – Norwich, Epic Studios

Thu 3 Apr – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

Fri 4 Apr – Newcastle, The Cluny

Sat 5 Apr – Glasgow, Drygate

Sun 6 Apr – Whitby Pavilion

Wed 9 Apr – Hassocks, Mid Sussex Music Hall

Thu 10 Apr – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

Fri 11 Apr – Manchester, The Deaf Institute

Sat 12 Apr – Bodega Nottingham

Sun 13 Apr – Birkenhead, Future Yard

Wed 23 Apr – Winchester, The Railway Inn

Thu 24 Apr – Oxford, The Jericho

Fri 25 Apr – Bristol, Thekla

Sat 26 Apr – London, Omeara

By Anna-Louise Burgess

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