Drew Holcomb is one of the rising young guns of alt.Nashville. He's a musician with a grá for the muscle a decent band can bring, a soft centre and the ability to package these two tendencies into a persuasive blend of accessible Americana with echoes of Ryan Adams. His fourth album was recorded around the time wife and bandmate Ellie Holcomb gave birth to their first child (with the noble country name of Emmylou). As such, there is a degree of reflection and taking stock with the world. The titles tell all: Another Man's Shoes, Can't Take It With You, What Would I do Without You?, The Wine We Drink, A Place to Lay My Head and Tomorrow portray a happy man anxious about the world outside. When Holcomb gets it right, as on the country soul of Nothing But Trouble, it's a very sweet sound. But the spark is not consistent. drewholcomb.com
Download: Nothing But Trouble, The Wine We Drink