The First Line is the memorable solo debut by Marcellus Hall, who was once a member of the influential ‘90s blues-punk outfit Railroad Jerk and the folk duo White Hassle. Backed by his ace band, the Hostages, the album features a stripped-down, lush sound with acoustic guitar, stray pedal-steel licks, strings, organ fills, light drums, and the occasional harmonica solo. The spare and spacious arrangements are consistently inventive yet always in support of Hall’s witty lyrics. Simply put, the song craft is remarkable across these 13 tracks. Standouts “Star Position,” “Neon, Not the Light,” “Laughing With You,” “Back Where I Started” and “Broken Phone” are subtle, poignant, sly, and humorous as he dissects relationships and modern life through keen metaphors, wordplay, and vivid imagery, all delivered in an effortless and conversational singing style. In a musical landscape crowded with singer-songwriters Hall stands apart.