El Dorado
El Dorado gives Marcus King a different kind of space from the heavier playing associated with his band. His solo debut, made with producer and co-writer Dan Auerbach, puts soul songs, clear melodies and his singing at the centre. There is still plenty of guitar, but it usually works inside the arrangement instead of taking over the whole record.
That choice makes sense for material this direct. King can bring warmth and a rougher edge to the same vocal line, and the strongest songs make good use of that range. The backing is smooth and carefully played, with keyboards and strings adding detail around the voice. The record is easy to follow without becoming plain.
“One Day She’s Here” is a particularly good example. The strings and clavinet give its soul groove a lively setting, while King delivers the melody with confidence. “Too Much Whiskey” moves towards country rock, with electric piano helping its looser character. Neither song needs a long guitar workout to make its point.
“Break” takes a quieter route. The piano gives the arrangement a simple outline, leaving room for a more restrained vocal. “Turn It Up” provides a useful change of energy, showing that the record’s polished approach can still leave space for a stronger rock sound. “Wildflowers & Wine” also gives King a setting that suits both his voice and his guitar.
The production brings a limitation as well as a clear identity. Auerbach’s familiar vintage soul approach can become more noticeable than King’s own character, and some higher vocal passages sound less comfortable than the strongest performances. Fans who mainly want his more forceful guitar playing may also find the arrangements too controlled.
Even with those reservations, El Dorado has a convincing set of songs and several strong performances. Its best moments show a singer making careful choices, with the instruments helping the melodies land. It is an enjoyable change of emphasis, though the record would be stronger if the production left a little more room for King’s individual rough edges.
