"We ain't up to nothing," sings salt-voiced newcomer Brent Cobb, "just solving all the problems of the world."
It's no throwaway line — that kind of laid-back seriousness is reflected everywhere on his stellar debut, Shine On Rainy Day. Cobb, an in-demand songwriter for top Nashville acts like Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town, is quick to demonstrate his mastery of the craft. Balancing precise Americana portraiture with a homespun informality reminiscent of early Jerry Jeff Walker or Jesse Winchester, Cobb is poised to join the ranks of Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton as a leading light in the alt-Nashville scene.
Produced by distant cousin Dave Cobb (arguably the hottest name in the Americana game these past years), Shine On Rainy Day was recorded mostly live in studio over four days. A triumph of immediacy and intimate performance, there's a sandpaper-scratched quality to the music that will delight fans of the kind of DIY country we don't hear much of anymore. On standout tracks "Solving Problems," the gorgeous romance of "The World" and the spooky swamp blues of "Down in the Gulley" and album closer "Black Crow," Brent Cobb finds fresh paths through well-trodden terrain.
Americana record of the year? It's up there.
(Elektra)It's no throwaway line — that kind of laid-back seriousness is reflected everywhere on his stellar debut, Shine On Rainy Day. Cobb, an in-demand songwriter for top Nashville acts like Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town, is quick to demonstrate his mastery of the craft. Balancing precise Americana portraiture with a homespun informality reminiscent of early Jerry Jeff Walker or Jesse Winchester, Cobb is poised to join the ranks of Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton as a leading light in the alt-Nashville scene.
Produced by distant cousin Dave Cobb (arguably the hottest name in the Americana game these past years), Shine On Rainy Day was recorded mostly live in studio over four days. A triumph of immediacy and intimate performance, there's a sandpaper-scratched quality to the music that will delight fans of the kind of DIY country we don't hear much of anymore. On standout tracks "Solving Problems," the gorgeous romance of "The World" and the spooky swamp blues of "Down in the Gulley" and album closer "Black Crow," Brent Cobb finds fresh paths through well-trodden terrain.
Americana record of the year? It's up there.