William McLaughlin, also known as William Mc, Billy Mc, and WGMC, is a bit of a mad genius. A superb bassist and a musician with an eccentric flair, Mc’s latest single capably demonstrates what the artist is capable of. A driving anthem of musical mayhem.
English, based in London, WGMC is a bassist who has brilliantly weighted hands on the instrument. His masterful barrage of riffs on ‘Better’ is a perfect showcase of WGMC’s melodic leanings and balanced performance style. For such a busy part, McLaughlin gracefully breezes through the riffs, always in the spotlight, never overshadowing the juiciness of the rest of the instruments.
WGMC’s deep baritone and off-kilter lyrics put Swans to mind, while the sparkling lows of his bass remind me of early Tool and Mogwai. This amalgamation ends up feeling fiercely individual. WGMC is an artist with an immediately distinctive style. ‘Better’ is a very intricately written offering that features a rich mix with a distorted guitar solo, percussive synth melodies, and a crisp, driving groove that pushes the whole construct along. The bass line of course remains the song’s crowning achievement. Such a fulfilling piece of alternative/progressive rock.
‘Better’ is a display of William McLaughlin’s dazzling array of talents. An engaging offering from all angles, ‘Better’ is a bit of a strike of accessible, easygoing genius.
