Messenger (UK) - April 4th, 2017

by- Kevin Bryan

Malcolm Holcombe, "Pretty Little Troubles" (Gypsy Eyes Music)- If you've ever been fortunate enough to come across any of Malcolm Holcombe's work in the past you should have a good idea of what to expect from the contents of "Pretty Little Troubles." The grizzled old country balladeer is rather like Americana's answer to Tom Waits, delivering his haunting insights into the human condition with a hypnotic blend of fractured, smouldering vocals and stunning musicianship. This doesn't make for particularly easy listening but it's well worth investigating nonetheless, and the North Carolina native's 15th studio recording must rank as one of his best.