Holmes “Complication Simplified”

Roy Shakked aka Holmes’ 4th album release is here, and after shaking all the cobwebs out with Covers early this year, he’s ready to express his unique POV on life. The opener “Put A Hurt On Me” starts with a smooth groove and moves seamlessly into a memorable chorus. The introspective “Crawling” is a sweet shuffling melody that brings to mind Elliot Smith and McCartney.

The bluesy “Everything” and banjo strumming ditty “Mosquitos” are great set pieces that stick in your head and deserve repeat plays. The album’s chewy center is “Pressing My Luck,” full of handclaps and guitar arpeggios in the chorus. It’s a catchy high point, followed by the somber “Different Ground” and “Revolving Door” (a duet with Jesca Hoop). The interlude “I’ll do it tomorrow” is pretty funny and another big gem is the radio friendly “Stereo” which gives us the album’s title. A solid release that once again highlights Roy’s amazing talent and artistry, get it and you won’t be disappointed.

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