Up From The Mud
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The Atlanta singer-songwriter Diane Coll returns with a 4th solo record, where the personal songs welcome Daniel Groover, Jonny Daly, Barry Watson and Erica and Daniel Holloway.
The atmospheric title track starts, and uses Coll’s harmonium and Daly’s dreamy electric guitar with much warmth, and “Eyes” follows with Coll’s bright pipes that suit the flowing guitar from Groover and his thumping drums, too.
Deeper into the listen, “Devil’s Got Nothing” touches on retro-rock ideas thanks to Watson’s meticulous bass and some grit, while “Fool’s Gold” tugs on the heartstrings via the elegant cello from Erica and Daniel Holloway, which complements the poetic vocals.
“Today” and “All Is Well” exit the listen. The former is a timeless folk strummer with expressive singing, and the latter carries ambience, beauty and grace in the dreamy finish.
Certainly centered in the area of folk-rock, Coll handles vocals, acoustics, piano/keys, harmonium, and hang drum with much care for the sincere and timeless effort.
Travels well with: Karen Jonas- The Rise And Fall Of American Kitsch; Jordie Lane- Tropical Depression