About to turn 40, Josh Holtzclaw has ticked off a bucket list item by releasing his debut album.

By Graeme Smith

When I was about to turn 40, I self-published a novel and ran a marathon, so I certainly relate to wanting to lay down a marker before that particular milestone. For Josh it meant booking some studio time, getting some musician buddies together, and putting to record years worth of written tracks.

The resulting album, Safe In Sound, gets going with Dreams and it’s a bright start. Josh’s vocal talents are quickly on display, paired nicely with a contemplative folk rock instrumental. There’s a poetry to the lyrics, too, that I found sticking with me, and the track ends in funky fashion with a surprise organ solo.

From there we get seven more insights into Josh’s world. Lovely Mess has a retro pop feel about it, and philosophical lyrics. Title track Safe in Sound is a brooding moment led by acoustic guitar and full of ghostly layers. Birmingham bristles with a sense of place and nostalgia while Undone has a touch of the blues about it. Hold On is delicately devastating. Scars cuts deep with its extrospective lyrics. This Life closes the album in uncertain style with a meditation on what the future might bring. Its chorus throws off the doubt by embracing the moment.

Josh’s new album is proof that’s it’s never too late to chase your dreams. He is an accomplished songwriter and I enjoyed all he had to say across its eight tracks. Add to that a timeless, folksy style, and you’ve got a formula for success.

Safe in Sound is out now and you can give it a listen below.