LONE WOLF, the musical persona of Paul Marshall, first emerged onto the scene in 2010 with the release of his critically acclaimed album, The Devil and I, through Bella Union. This debut showcased Marshall as a captivating storyteller clad in black, weaving ballads steeped in themes of murder and intrigue. During this period, he became a prominent live performer, often sharing the stage with notable artists such as Wild Beasts, Bat For Lashes, St Vincent, John Grant, Broken Bells, José González, and Philip Selway of Radiohead. Additionally, he was invited by Richard Thompson to perform at his Meltdown Festival.

The music video for the lead single, "Keep Your Eyes on the Road," paid tribute to Peter Gabriel's iconic "Sledgehammer," receiving both praise and approval from Gabriel himself.

In 2012, Marshall's artistic direction shifted significantly when he parted ways with Bella Union and opted to crowd-fund his next project, The Lovers. This album marked a departure from the acoustic and grand soundscapes of his debut, introducing a synth-driven, art-pop aesthetic. The lyrics also evolved, moving away from narrative-driven themes to delve into Marshall's personal experiences with sleep anxiety and depression.

Despite the critical success of The Lovers, Marshall's presence in live performances diminished, with only two sold-out shows in the UK at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds and The Lexington in London.

As time progressed, Marshall appeared increasingly disillusioned with the music industry and his own creative impulses. In a candid social media post, he expressed feeling “terminally ill” regarding his desire to produce new music. Subsequently, he withdrew from the public eye, married, returned to full-time employment, and took on the task of scoring his first film, Bastardo, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Nejib Belkadhi. The film received selections at numerous prestigious festivals worldwide, including Toronto, Palm Springs, and Milan, where it won Best Picture, suggesting Marshall had embarked on an alternative path within the music realm.

In July 2014, Marshall unexpectedly shared a blog post revealing how his diagnosed anxiety had become a significant factor in his decision-making. He described isolating himself and attempting to shed the “musician's skin” he had worn for so long. However, a pivotal life event reignited his desire to create, leading him to reconsider the possibility of producing new music.

Learning that his longtime producer and bandmate James Kenosha's studio, The Lodge, would soon cease to exist, Marshall felt compelled to record there one last time. The Lodge, a small converted barn located in a remote area, had been the birthplace of much of his previous work, where he often felt his anxiety lift.

To commemorate this space, Marshall dedicated six days to recording with Kenosha and trumpet player David Wärmegård. He aimed to capture the raw essence of the room, intentionally avoiding any studio trickery. This album featured no acoustic or electric guitars, and every note was recorded in that singular space, with Marshall performing all instruments except the trumpets. Most notably, nothing was processed, allowing for an authentic reflection of his artistry.

Ultimately, Paul Marshall locked the door, laid bare his emotions, and created the record he longed to make in The Lodge before it was lost to time.

So, who is LONE WOLF? The answer is about to unfold.