Army’s own Midwest musician eyes success in folk-rock scene
Country music has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years – from enduring classics including the likes of Johnny Cash to the tunes of newcomers such as the Wandering Hearts.
The military has not been immune to this surge in popularity, as evidenced by the slide guitar riffs blasting out at cookhouses, offices and workshops during Soldier’s latest on-camp visits.
So it is unsurprising to hear that the service’s musicians – ever ready to soak up something new – are also getting involved. Enter CSgt Liam Compson (RCAM, above). A cornet player and current bass guitarist with the Household Division’s Blue Red Blue pop band, the Swindon-raised country fan is working after hours to put his stamp on his favourite genre with his own group.
Overcomplicated, as the outfit is known, combines a distinctive sound with some original material.
“I’d actually formed the group with my brother over a decade ago – but rather than having a set line-up, we had several serving and ex-military people we could call on to play for us, hence the name,” explained CSgt Compson, who has served for 20 years.
“We were gigging for a while but it went dormant for a few years because life got in the way. Everyone was busy, managing the band took time and work must obviously come first.
“Things eventually arrived at the stage where I’d written a fair bit of my own material but never had the guts to release it – I’m 36 and time is moving on.”
The reforming of the band has marked a return to a scene that has been a constant throughout CSgt Compson’s musical life. While playing cornet and performing with his dad’s rock outfit as a youngster, he was inspired by a series of folk-rock legends including Mumford and Sons.
“As we largely played covers when Overcomplicated started, there were a few styles including funk and pop in the repertoire,” the musician added. “Don’t get me wrong, I like both of these but country music has always had a special place with me – the lyrics are heartfelt and there are great harmonies.”
A combination of CSgt Compson’s aptitude as a wordsmith and experience in uniform is certainly evident in the two new songs released for the group’s reformation. Since ’89 is a pacey outing based on a conversation between a serving soldier and seasoned veteran, while Whiskey Away is a classic country standard focused on the tumultuous emotions of love.
“It’s a song all about coming and going in the British Army,” said CSgt Compson of the latter. The piece references an exchange between a soldier born in the same year as him and a veteran from the Falklands war era.
“Although the service has a transient lifestyle, the different generations of troops have a common bond – you get to see a lot over the years and outside of music, for example I did an Op Herrick tour as a top cover sentry,” he continued.
“Elsewhere, the video of us playing on Whiskey Away was filmed by the lake at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst – so the song also has an army connection.”
The tracks are well delivered with the polish of corps musicians evident throughout. Along with CSgt Compson on vocals and guitar, plus singer Sgt Tiff Ellen across both, violinist Musn Yas Chu excels on Whiskey Away while keyboardist LCpl Natalia Horoba, drummer Musn Dylan Tanswell-Lowe and lead guitarist Sgt Al Lambert tackle Since ’89 with great dexterity and energy. Army colleagues have certainly been vital to CSgt Compson’s output.
“The corps is a great place to work, not least because there are always so many talented people around you,” he said. “Everyone has something different to bring and you have the certainty of a regular job performing – this is often not something guaranteed in civilian life.
“You also travel and play in different places, from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo to The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in London. And I’ve been at the British Embassy in Estonia – all great opportunities.”
This is certainly true. The wealth of experience, contacts and skills provided by the army are a powerful combination when it comes to a career in music. And it is no accident that the sound of Overcomplicated – packed with great melodies, polished harmonies and delivered with solid technical skill on every front – bears the hallmarks of the military environment from top to bottom.
This band is – in no uncertain terms – one to watch.
Interview: Cliff Caswell, Soldier
Since ‘89 and Whiskey Away are out now, with further music in the pipeline from the band. Watch this space. Both singles are available digitally from online stores and streaming platforms including Apple, Amazon and Spotify
