Tricks Of The Trade
Need To Know, 2021
9/10
A veteran musician who’s been quite prolific in recent years, Malcolm Holcombe possesses a wise, weathered voice that has plenty of stories to tell, and along with longtime band members Dave Roe and Jared Tyler, among other guests, he delivers 13 tunes very much indebted to his mountainous heritage.
“Money Train” gets the album off to a gritty start as Holcombe’s gravelly vocals flow alongside bluesy guitars and light drumming, and “Misery Loves Company” follows with warm acoustic guitar and a more folk oriented approach that’s still rugged, but also quite melodic in a rural sort of way.
Further into the listen, “Your Kin” balances fluid strumming and vivid storytelling that’s got some bite to its breezy climate, while “Damn Rainy Day” recruits a soulful quality amid the firm southern spirit. “On Tennessee Land”, the album’s best, then displays intricate guitar picking amid proficient drumming as a charming energy unfolds with much beauty.
The title track lands near the end and pairs pretty music with Holcombe’s ragged yet tuneful rasp, and “Shaky Ground” exits the listen with a poetic and genuine illustration of Holcombe’s timeless formula.
Holcombe is no stranger to blues, country, folk, bluegrass, gospel and rock’n’roll, and all those ideas together with backing vocals from Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris make for a listen that’s all substance, comes straight from the heart and leaves an indelible impression.
Travels well with: Jack Grace Band- What A Way To Spend A Night; Garrett Wieland- What Keeps The Heart Afloat