Doctor Payne is a project formed by Brighton-based musician and producer Marlon Payne. The project targets the theme of mental peace in a chaotic world and focuses on creative experimentation in their sounds, giving their songs an unmistakable identity. ‘Guilt’ is the first single from Doctor Payne’s upcoming album. It is an emphatic rock song which is about transformation and the “sometimes unseen differences between internal thoughts and outward expression.”
Instrumentally, it features clean piano licks and powerful guitar solos. The song has an incredibly upbeat and energetic sound, but addresses a serious and earnest confession. The subject is ‘guilt’ which is an emotion that emerges from a questionable decision/action and a feeling of remorse that arrives too late. To me, ‘Guilt’ is a song built around finding something special by juxtaposing its compositonal elements. The contrasting elements run throughout the track, but at no point does the loud track fail to completely draw you in or give you clarity. If anything, to me it is an indication of Doctor Payne’s musical acumen to create an overwhelming soundscape that represents the overburdened mind of someone who feels guilt. With a great emphasis on unique rhythms and creative arrangements, it cannot be classified as a generic rock song, because of how compellingly and creatively it uses its sound to explore deep emotions. With unexpected transitions from guitars and drums to the piano, dynamic vocals, and convincing songwriting, Doctor Payne clearly establishes that perfection is the ultimate goal, crafting a track that does not fall short in any aspect of its creation.
There is nothing more captivating than artists trying to find themselves through their music, and we are often fortunate enough to undertake that journey with them. There is no doubt that Doctor Payne is a project you would definitely want to keep an eye out for if you like artists who break the mold and have the vision to craft their identity on their own terms. ‘Guilt’ takes pride in its complexity but lets you know that there is a lot more waiting to be explored.