Holcomb Waller -Troubled Times
by
Paul
August 2005
There is an old Led Zeppelin song called "The Song Remains the Same".
Holcomb Waller and songwriting partner Ben Landsverk took the message a
little too literally on Troubled Times.
There is little to no delineation between the songs or odd collection of
images and unrealized ideas. Every song remains – basically – the same
as the one before it.
The music is very much a droning motion that seems to support Waller's
interestingly affected voice. Therein lies my issue with the duo of
Waller and Landsverk and this release. Everything seems affected. There
is nothing natural – nothing with any soul. There is nothing for a music
lover to grab onto and hold on tight.
There are certain bands that we wait with bated breath for their next
release. There are other bands that we support when they release
something interesting. Holcomb Waller is neither of these. If he never
recorded again, it wouldn't be that big a deal.
It doesn't seem like it would be that big a deal for him either. He
offers nothing on this disc that says "listen to me."
There is one song that I think is a satirical political statement except
it is performed with such quirky reverence, it is impossible to tell.
The song "No Enemy" is a pacifist love song to Condoleeza Rice.
It is musically the most interesting piece of music, but lyrically it is
impossible to tell if Waller and company are serious about the message.
"Oh Condi, can we live in peace again?"
I'm thinking peace and quiet. This is me hitting the "skip"
button.
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