On Tuesday night New Zealand’s Marlon Williams majorly impressed while opening for the great Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop at the Fonda in LA (review soon to come). Williams and bass accompanist (with their expert Everly Brothers harmonies) took the Fonda audience through a compelling mini-history of country music and out the other side. Williams is impressive on many fronts, but wowed with his well-honed vocalese (which at times, bizarrely, reminded us of Antony Hegarty–now Anohni). Williams released his critically-acclaimed debut solo album last year and is clearly headed to higher heights.  Though Williams regaled the Fonda audience with deep-cut murder ballads and other Lomaxian fare, it was his own songs that truly impressed. To get a feel, watch below as Williams performs Dark Child on KCRW. To hear the entire KCRW session go HERE. For more, afterwards check out Williams’ four-song KEXP session with full band.  Wow.