Gently flowing piano and a compelling vocal melody are at the heart of this performance of ‘Dark Tonight’, recorded live at Sleeper’s Mountain Studios in Portland, Oregon. This is beautiful music written as a form of therapy to confront and work through difficult times. Spencer Thomas explains: “A few years back, I tried to hide from myself by being romantically involved with someone I knew deep down wasn’t for me. When that inevitably failed, I felt the harsh waves of depression from past traumas I chose not to face finally catch up. ‘Dark Tonight’ is that chapter closing, and at the time it was written, playing it over and over again was the only thing that made me feel better. It’s weight still sits in my chest every time I start to sing it.” This heartfelt number is the opening track from the powerful and varied 2019 album ‘Hangin’ Tough’. The album focuses on themes of escape and tackling life’s tough challenges. Although direct and challenging at times: “Wishing I’d fuck off or fight // I’m running in the dark tonight,” the songs offer hope and courage..
Thomas has shared stages with the likes of Andrew Bird, Band of Heathens and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers) and recorded ‘Hangin’ Tough’ at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley, Mississippi, which is co-owned by Matt Patton (Drive-By Truckers) and Bronson Tew (Sleeper’s Mountain Studio). Inspired by the wealth of talent around him, Thomas is in the process of creating new material with the aim of putting out an album this year. Keep a look out for it – Spencer Thomas displays here the songcraft he’s capable of.
