From the outset, Neil Morrison’s latest album, PILLBOX & A CRUCIFIX, tells you exactly what is in store: a new modern classic Americana roots album.
It’s full of the comforting sounds you’d expect from jangly guitars and mandolins to moody basslines, acoustic guitars, and piano that perfectly accompany Neil’s evocative vocals. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that this album had been recorded out in Nashville a few decades ago and had recently been discovered in a dusty old desk drawer underneath tapes of Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, and Bob Dylan. And yet, Morrison is based in the Kingdom of Fife (the Nashville of East Scotland) and his album Pillbox & the Crucifix is only a month old.
I previously selected Neil’s song Cry Cry Cry (You Cupids) for the Bonnie Scotland Presents playlist. It grabbed me instantly. The combination of mandolin, shuffling snare drum, a nice loud bass, and harmonica just speaks to me. It sort of feels like the song speeds up and slows down in a natural way, creating a really nice chill vibe. The selection of instruments on the album is massive. Each song is crafted as an individual, but the adherence to “real” acoustic, natural instrument sounds means they all fit with the album’s overall theme.
I think of this album as having 3 distinct foundational parts: Morrison’s voice, his lyrics, and the music (which I’ll use as an umbrella for the instrumentation and the production). I’m loath to compare any singer to another, but gun to the head, I’d say he’s a little like Julian Casablancas from The Strokes, mixed with Bob Dylan and Lou Reid. On Take it (a little) easy, he uses a vocal effect that really solidified that Strokes vibe for me. He also creates melodies in a quite unusual way compared to a lot of modern music. There’s maybe a jazz, blues, and gospel influence there, certainly not a four-chord trick. I hope this paints a picture of a weathered troubadour’s voice. The lyrics are dreamy and poignant, and to be honest, I don’t always pick them up because the music draws me in, but every now and then, a stellar line catches me. Much like the music, the lyrics feel timeless.
I’ve already sent this album to some of my friends who I think may be interested in this sound, and I’m looking forward to seeing him live at some point in 2026!
