Graveyard Bassist Truls Morck Brings it Down With the Beautiful Melancholy of His Second Solo Album, What a Time to Be Alive.

Known more for his role as bassist/songwriter for Swedish hard rockers Graveyard, Truls Morck has a whole other identity of his own.  Stepping away for a bit from the volume, throbbing bass, and the ear-shattering, face-melting sound of Graveyard, Truls has released his second solo album called What a Time to Be Alive, the follow-up to his 2015 self-titled debut solo album.

The best way I can describe What a Time to Be Alive is that it sounds like a deep, meditative breath after a long, heavy, and energy-draining day.  The album kicks off with “Do We Still Have Love Left?” which is reminiscent of All Things Must Pass era George Harrison. Yet, it has a dark softness to it that is so comforting.  If I had to describe what it feels like to be comfortably high after 2 or 3 edibles, it would be this song without a doubt.

“What a Time” is a lush, beautiful song that musically and lyrically contrasts the title.  “What a Time to Be Alive” is a phrase usually delivered in an upbeat, cheerful tone, whereas the song is the polar opposite.  “What a Time” seems to come from a place of emotional (and maybe even physical) pain, anxiety, and depression, yet it offers up a dose of optimism.  “Good to Me” is a melancholy shoegaze track that reminds me a bit of the band The Clientele.  As corny as it sounds, it sounds dreamy.  It’s so comforting, and I literally could feel my body and my mind decompress while listening to this one.

What a Time to Be Alive.  I honestly can’t put it into too many more words.  What a Time to Be Alive has Morck dipping his toes into genres of music such as shoegaze and lo-fi , but in all honesty, What a Time to Be Alive is much more than a collection of songs.  It’s a feeling.  It’s an emotion.  It’s optimistic, it’s sad, it’s comfortable, and unsettling all in one package.  Truls Morck has a way of sharing his innermost feelings and visions and does so with beautiful vulnerabilities.

What a Time to Be Alive is an album for the heart and the soul.  Give it a chance, and you may find that “place” that you never thought you’d go to.

About The Author

Don

I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.

I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.

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