As Good As It Gets/Vamoose
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Maryland singer-songwriter Domenic Cicala slaps a pair of EPs together here, where the 10 songs showcase his genuine roots rocks and Americana formula.
As Good As It Gets starts the listen with the thumping drums of “Dance With The Devil”, where harmonic vocals and bright keys that are quite colorful, and “Never Be The Same” follows with a calm intimacy of pretty singing and a heartfelt mood. This portion exits with the acoustic strumming of the title track, where a scrappy version of rural rock unfolds with melody and well timed sax.
The back half, Vamoose, opens with the cozy pedal steel illuminating the prettiness of “Still Around”, and it isn’t long until “One Good Reason” offers an emotive duet that’s gentle and sincere via the aching Americana. “The Road We’re On” exits, and it’s a soulful and thoughtful finish of grace in a country sort of way.
Though both the records are certainly attached to Cicala’s vision, they present both rock and country nods separately, and listening to them back to back makes for a memorable and timeless experience.
Travels well with: Eric Schmitt- Wait For The Night; Jefferson Ross- Backstage Balladeer