Nathan Holscher "Even The Hills" (Independent 2007)

Exquisite debut from Cincinnati’s new Romeo

Described in the press release as sounding like “what would happen if Dire Straits lost an arm wrestling contest with Townes Van Zandt” this debut from Cincinnati native Nathan Holscher is certainly a victory for the honest, weather-beaten songwriter over the commercial giant. The fact that Knoffler probably would have needed hospital care after a night on the town with Townes let alone have the strength to do even limit limbed combat is neither here nor there really. I can see where they are coming from. There are moments here when a headband might be necessary but the majority of this excellent album lays the right side of cool. An observer of life through the eyes of a compassionate bystander caught up in nature’s complexities, Holster certainly knows how to write a song. The likes of “Hard, High And Blue” and the opener “My Sweet” are almost Ritter-esque in design, storytelling songs that put you both in a place and time that seems somehow familiar. “Maria” is prime-time Zandt for sure – simple yet evocative reflections on the way love enraptures the heart regardless of the eventual outcome. Standout track though is the finale “Back To New Mexico” that will give all the Ryan Bingham fans something else to spend those Christmas vouchers on. A fabulous debut.

Date review added:  Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reviewer:  Del Day
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