Headcase
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The Texas artist Rob Leines returns with a 3rd album, where the 10 songs unfold with a blue collar rock’n’roll and outlaw country mood, as plenty of friends are in attendance for the gritty affair.
“Double Wide” starts the listen with Lienes’ thick guitar and expressive voice alongside Josh Halp’s thumping drums for the country rock setting, and “Headcase” follows with Derrick Elliot’s flowing bass lines that suit the raw yet melodic spirit.
Halfway through, “Honey Hole” comes with an intimate demeanor via the vivid storytelling and steel guitar courtesy of Zachary Moulton, while “Goldmine” is packed with soaring musicianship amid the muscular rhythm section and ruggedness.
The last 2 tracks, “High In The Cotton” and “Sinner”, don’t disappoint, either. The former is pretty, jangly and touches on folk ideas, and the latter is full of Southern nods and gospel hints thanks to the soulful backing vocals.
A record that just begs the listener to experience the live show, Leines brings power, harmonics, riffs and distorted chords to a diverse rock’n’roll journey you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Holler Choir- Songs Before They Write Themselves; Taxicab Verses- Is What You Make It