One Line At A Time
Casa, 2020
10/10
An Arizona singer-songwriter who has extensive touring of both the US and Mexico under his belt, though D.L. Marble might not be a name you’re familiar with, a single listen of One Line At A Time is enough to make you an unwavering fan.
“Ocean Beach” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming as Marble’s smooth vocals steer a rhythmic and melodic Americana opening, and “Same Damn Thing” follows with a cozy, rootsy approach where girt and melody are both in attendance and appreciated.
In the middle, “One Line At A Time” is a fuller display of crunchy alt-country that’s not short on grooves, while “Break Even” enters ballad territory where much beauty exists in the reflective atmosphere. “Bombay”, one of the album’s best, then shuffles quickly with a vintage feel of honky tonk fun that will be sure to get your body and spirits moving.
Closer to the end, the soft “California Memory” lets Marble’s versatile pipes shine in the introspective execution, and “Chasing You” exits the listen loud, full and packed with a jangly, retro-rock’n’roll appeal that will sound just as fantastic decades from now as it does today.
Marble is in fine company with Eric Ambel handling production as well as guitar and vocals, while A.D. Adams sits behind the drum kit and Roger Singleton, Paul Williams and Gigi Dixon contribute electric guitar, bass and keys respectively. Together, with Marble at the helm, I feel quite confident saying that they produce one of the year’s best in the area of Americana.
Travels well with: RB Morris- Going Back To The Sky; Andy Baker- North Country Sky