[rating=9.00]
Drew Holcomb has always been a passionate performer, making records that have been consistently satisfying since day one. Like Springsteen and Mellencamp he is, at his core, a well-traveled troubadour whose voice echoes the heartland and whose melodies quickly burrow under the skin. That’s especially evident on Souvenir, an album so urgent and exhilarating it deserves to be the vehicle that brings both the man and his band the big breakout they deserve.
A remarkably rapid follow up to their recent live album, the abundantly expressive Live at the Ryman, Souvenir is itself nothing less than a triumph, one that can instantly claim the status of a mini masterpiece. With the exception of the easily ambling “Mama’s Sunshine, Daddy’s Rain,” every song rings with anthemic proportions, a sound so big and impressive, it resonates in real time. The tremendous wallop of songs such as “The Morning Song,” “California,” “Fight For Love” and “New Year” offers clear indication that the band’s offering its total commitment, manifest in a pumped fist and a sudden surge of adrenalin. These are stadium-sized songs, all the better to rouse the masses and send air guitarists reeling in a fit of frenzy. The same can also be said of its ballads, which not only keep the momentum intact but spur additional sentiments as well.
Like Bruce and his E Streeters or Tom Petty and his Heartbreaker, Holcomb and the Neighbors are the quintessential combo. They show a purposeful intent, each bolstering the other to ensure a solid, straight forward delivery every time. That synergy finds its calling on Souvenir, elevating all involved to a new and lofty plateau. A work of heroic proportions, it’s a keepsake that can easily be savored for a very long time to come.
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