Harley Kimbro Lewis – Harley Kimbro Lewis (reviewed by T. Bebedor)

If acoustic Americana is your thing, look no further than this laid-back gem of an album by Martin Harley, Daniel Kimbro and Sam Lewis.

This is music for the early morning or the late night, those after-show moments where the mood is calm and relaxed, friendly and reflective as the band unwind. There are no rushed, urgent bursts of energy on show here, this is for the thinkers and the dreamers to make sense of the world and to squeeze stories into three minutes. Although the music is guitar-based and verges close to the Blues, the atmosphere is upbeat with some handy advice here and there (“don’t get drunk and fall off a bridge, don’t get high and raid your fridge…” from Man Get Ahold of Yourself which plays out like a bluegrass version of ‘Pencil Full of Lead’ by Paolo Nutini with its optimistic outlook).

The album is a slow burner but has the power to draw you in until you find yourself whistling along to some catchy songs that benefit from the stripped-back feel. 

‘Grey Man’, ‘Creepin’ Charlie’ and the superbly titled ‘Cowboys in Hawaii’ have some nice surprises here and there before the standout track ‘Rosary’ comes along. The recipe here is a good one, witty, knowing lyrics set against nicely produced guitar play that never feels as if it takes itself too seriously. These are three musicians knowing exactly how to pitch things and it works. 

It doesn’t pretend to be bigger than what it is and it never feels as if anything is lacking, it’s songs for the front porch as friendships strengthen and stories start flowing as quickly as the bourbon.