Prozac and Whimsy

It’s my son’s birthday today, he’s 24 and now at the age I was when I left his mum for the final time. I’m a different person to the man I was back then and different again to the one who saw him last. We wouldn’t recognise each other on many different levels. I don’t recognise who I was then even if I’m still not really sure who I am right now.

The biggest difference is I have lost the spite that drove me. The pure fuck you that kept me going no matter what happened. I have found a peace with my past, the world and my place in it. There is a calmness that comes with peace but you can’t outrun all your demons forever.

In 2011 Tom Williams (And The Boat) released a furious album called Too Slow. There was a rage barely simmering under surface that threatened to spill over at any minute. It was an album I cherished then and still do to this day.

Fast forward to 2025 and Tom seems to have found his peace and place as well. Now flying solo without his boat Out Of Nowhere is a frankly beautiful album made up of slices of tender melancholy and love. There are songs about parenthood, planned holidays, lazy mornings and held hands. It is all reminiscent of Turin Brakes at their very best and I now have a new dream double bill gig.

Tom Williams has been on a hell of a journey to get to where he is today. But haven’t we all?

Come for Bird On The Wing, stay for Mark On The Wall, Christ The King and Keep You In Mind.