Rick Holmstrom

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See That Light

LuEllie, 2021

9/10

Listen to See The Light

Rick Holmstrom stays quite busy as bandleader for Mavis Staples, but here he pens a solo album during his unplanned break from tour life. Along with bandmates Steve Mugalian and Gregory Boaz, Holmstrom brings a wealth of experience and talent to these tunes penned on the road.

Holmstrom starts the listen with spirited guitar work and plenty of soul packed into the timeless, bluesy opener “Take My Hand”, and “Look Me In The Eye” follows with a bouncy and playful rock’n’roll flavor that will get your body moving and head bobbin’ amid the punchy drums and welcomed reverb.

Near the middle, “Don’t Wake Me” brings a bare climate of cautious melody, while “Lonesome Sound” offers a unique take on Americana where Holmstrom’s poetic singing highlights a very graceful display. “I’m An Asshole”, a standout track, then shuffles with an addictive rhythm as Holmstrom’s guitar riffs are as glorious as they are gritty.

Further down the line, “Waiting Too Long” glides swiftly with a charm that benefits greatly from Boaz’s bass and Mugalian’s drums as garage rock is touched on, and “Joyful Eye” exits the listen gentle, agile and with much hope during these often desperate times.

Holmstrom had big plans for 2020 that were sidelined when the world came to a halt. He was no doubt frustrated, but parlayed that disappointment into a really impressive record that’s raw, swampy and soaked in creativity that further solidifies him as one of the best guitarists of this generation.

Travels well with: Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters- Rise Up; Kid Ramos & Bob Corritore- Phoenix Blues Sessions