“End Of The Tunnel” by Marc Dorian

Ever have one of those days? Well, rocker Marc Dorian is a magnet for the concept that when it rains, it pours. His new track “End Of The Tunnel” is a R&B/rock piece that keeps piling on the ‘what next?’ and adds up to a pretty entertaining track. Dorian, originally from Canada, accentuates the positive when he can, gleaning his Detroit residence chops for this charmer.

URL: https://marcdorianmusic.com/

I lost my woman, she walked out on me, she took the dog and the damn TV, Dorian sings, his pop-friendly voice laced with cigar residue. Underneath his vocals is a churning Hammond B organ, and a groovy bass guitar. The steady-as-it-goes drum kit taps along, as does the blues guitar. Only the guitar is just passing time before the song’s bridge, for it’s going to be right out in front in an extended riff solo. Is it any wonder, I’m about to crumble, tell me where the hell’s my light? At the end of the tunnel, Dorian belts out in the chorus. Female backing vocalist (or vocalists) bolster his voice in the chorus section, adding a bit more light to his darker bravado.

The murky organ keys create a swampy, meandering motion. While the lyrics are lamenting, Dorian’s voice is matter-of-fact. He seems to be rolling his eyes alongside to the listener. It’s deeply personal, yes, but he lets the organ create that blue or cobalt tone. He turns out a heady stew of personality, R&B and a melting of Detroit blues tinted with New Orleans’ leanings. He’s not cooking up Cajun style sounds, but he’s taunting us a bit with that gorgeous organ playing.

More about that guitar too – the electric guitar breaks up the lollygagging, conspiring with the organ to change the wavelength into a split between a jaunt and a tight, sick arrangement. In some ways, this song has a juicy mix of vintage Dr. John and Eric Clapton, meshed with modern riffs and feelings. After a few listens, it occurred to me that as much as his voice delivers his persona, the guitar impressively matches his vocal performance and cements his entertainer identity in “End Of Tunnel”.

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/end-of-the-tunnel-single/1521684494

What also gives this song, not surprising considering Dorian’s tenure as a piano man in Norway and cruise ship entertainment, an added boost of entertainment, is frankly just Dorian being his genuine self. He knows how to light up a room and turn the crowd his direction – it’s evident in the gregarious tone in his vocals. Dorian, who grew up in Nova Scotia now residing in Detroit since 2001. Besides his solo work, Dorian is a member of the tribute band, Your Generation in Concert. Dorian’s discography includes 2017’s Acoustic Covers (which features the Clapton classic “Tears In Heaven”) and Time Is Precious (2003). Listeners be assured, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s a great, fun ride in Marc Dorian’s “End Of The Tunnel”.

Mindy McCall