Wellswood
Big Legal Mess, 2022
8/10
The folk-rocker and Florida native Thomas Dollbaum sure does impress us on this debut album, where his very literate songwriting is illuminated by a small handful of friends who contribute strings, a saw, a Wurlitzer and other gentle noise makers.
“Florida” starts the listen with Dollbaum’s inimitable drawl complemented by Kate Teague’s pretty pipes in the bare, folk-friendly climate that uses acoustic guitar and atmosphere strategically, and “God’s Country” follows with a fuller display of warmly textured guitars, drums and vocal harmonies.
Landing in the middle, “Work Hard” emits much beauty via a dreamy demeanor that makes good use of Bennett Littlejohn’s lap steel guitar, while “Gold Teeth” recruits thumping drums in a more firm execution of rugged folk-rock.
“Moon” and “Break Your Bones” exits the listen, where the former is full of poetic intimacy that benefits from charming keys and breezy melodies, and the latter puts much emphasis on Dollbaum’s raw pipes amid much emotion.
Now residing in New Orleans and paying the bills doing construction work, Dollbaum’s vision is likely to remind you of names like Damien Jurado and Jason Molina, and he’s clearly got the chops to make a similar impact, too.
Travels well with: Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm; Jason Molina-Eight Gates