Thursday , March 28 2024
Level is a nice little collection of quality songs that I'm sure would be enjoyed by those who enjoy classic rock or the power country genre of music.

EP Review: Mike Holden – Level

The four song EP Level is Mike Holden’s follow-up to his 2002 debut CD, Exhibit A, and is a nice little collection of tunes that land somewhere between rockin’ country and a soft rock.

Holden says,

I was proud of my first disc, but I’m excited to get this new one out for people to hear because I feel like I’ve matured as a performer since recording my first CD.

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Mature, is exactly how Holden’s voice sounds. There is no other word to describe the quality of his voice but masculine. It is full, deep, and rich as he sings these songs that are lyrically intricate and uncomplicated musically. All four songs were penned by Holden and are performed by a simple four piece ensemble. The undemanding instrumentation is such that it reminds me of the music you might hear being performed on Saturday night at a night club by a house band, raw and pure.

“Help Me Sleep” is a stunning ballad. Notably backed with a soft guitar, the song is gentle plea for companionship. His voice is strong and smooth as he delivers his woeful appeal.

The snow has found the ground
The breeze has cast the trees
I’m waiting for you to come over
I could use something to help me sleep

An uncomplicated delivery of straightforward emotion, the song is sweet and sentimental.

“Take No Victims” on the other hand is a “rough and tumble” kind of rock piece. Reminiscent of classic rock, the background is a driving guitar riff and pounding drum beat. As all the songs, the lyrics are catchy and his delivery comes from somewhere deep inside.

Level is a nice little collection of quality songs that I’m sure would be enjoyed by those who enjoy classic rock or the power country genre of music.

Mike Holden has two upcoming shows. Dates can be found at his personal website.

The songs from Level can be streamed from Holden’s Myspace Profile or purchased from Awarestore.com or downloaded from I-tunes.

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