REVIEW: Kyle Davis, Raising Heroes (N2K)
- Daniel Aloi
Singer-songwriter Kyle Davis shows excellent taste and confidence on his debut album, Raising Heroes. He sings straightforward, well-crafted songs about familiar human struggles, and his work is given dynamic arrangements, powered by drummers Jim Brock and Rob Ladd, and bass playing to fit the mood, from star producer and No. 1 supporter Don Dixon (who also adds guitars, timpani and background vocals).
Dixon has made some great -- and great-sounding - records, his own and for others; and this one does sound terrific.
Young and earnest in the Edwin McCain mold, Davis delivers his and Lance Hancock's lyrics in an unforced, from-the-heart style, with a soulfully plaintive voice. The backing musicians are highlighted by multi-instrumentalist Peter Holsapple.
Overall, this is pleasant, top-down, sunny-day driving music, nothing requiring intense listening. Even with that said, Davis could be a surprise dynamo at Triple-A this summer.
Potential pop success awaits in "Five Minutes" and "That's What Love Is," songs good enough for Dixon to have done himself. (P.S. on packaging: Nice ViewMaster reel design on the disc itself, and the various credits are laid out like a general store catalog inventory. Now that's pop culture for you.)
For more information, go to http://www.kyledavis.com
