The inimitable and enigmatic Malcolm Holcombe surfaces out of lockdown in the only true way he knows, namely recording another album to maintain a rapid flow of releases that has seemed to accelerate in recent years. TRICKS OF THE TRADE in its basic format comprises of a dozen new tracks. For those wanting a little extra, there is the deluxe edition with an additional track, and who could wish for anything more than an extra dose of this North Carolinian famed for putting an almost unique stamp on his interpretation of American roots music.
If you have been fortunate to catch him on one of his many live shows including several European excursions, there is an indelible mark on your memory. For me there was the initial awe of over a decade ago witnessing him rocking in a dining chair while letting his music counter the theory of balance. More recently it was an appearance in front of a Friday night social club crowd who if they were a little perplexed, did not exit in any noticeable numbers until the encore. Maybe the last statement is doing the audience a disservice, but he isn't your usual weekend prelude.
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned Malcolm Holcombe gig observer, there is much merit in sinking into any of his albums, and starting with this new one is as good as any. Across the plastered template, he uses a production framework on the full side with plenty of multi instrumental input from his team to funnel the fruits of his inner thinking space into songs shaped nicely for an anticipated listener. Of course the grizzly growling vocals play their part, and a little fine tuning to your antenna may be required, dependent on where you are on the Malcolm Holcombe listening scale.
The themes of his songwriting bounce around from the micro world of the deeply personal to a macro view of what is happening out there for all to see and experience. As you would expect from a songwriter with a poetic streak, the lyrics are there to chew if you desire and make the recipient tender as much interpretation and pleasure as they wish. On the other hand, there is an aura in the style of which Holcombe delivers his songs that embed wisdom, passion and a will to wring out every drip of creative juice fermenting in his mind.
Outside of the bonus track 'Windows of Amsterdam', which itself is a strongly appealing song awash with a memorable chorus, other ones to catch the ear in the first few spins include the country feeling 'Misery Loves Company' illuminating the second spot in the track order and the politically charged 'Your Kin' in the album's midriff. Elsewhere 'Higher Ground' dips into a bluesy well with a more domineering soundtrack and a catchy chorus repeating the mantra "freedom to lose/choose". A song if you listen carefully contains vocal contributions from Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris. Bringing up the rear is 'Shaky Ground' alongside an accompanying video and an emblematic gateway into the inner psyche of this album as well as ultimately hailing as the premium moment.
If the world is still turning and Malcolm Holcombe still has his guitar in hand then you know new music will continually flow. TRICKS OF THE TRADE is more of the same, but if you're hooked in you won't grumble.