Golden Mixtape

Before my life of solitude with random occurrences of human contact I worked with a guy who always referred to musicians he liked as “cool cats.” It’s something that has stuck in the back of my mind months later and every time an artist comes about that I can see playing Hotel Café in Hollywood, I think to myself, that’s a “cool cat.” That’s what I thought listening to Holmes’ Complication Simplified. It isn’t music built for an arena; it’s more for the show goers who want to be able to see the facial expressions of the performer from a foot away. Complication Simplified is an easy listening record that grown-ups would be more in tune to gravitate towards due to its mature ways and 70’s singer-songwriter appeal.

Holmes seemed to fare better all-around when the songs were more upbeat, so “Different Ground” is one to let go of. Also, the pair of interludes were quick, yet odd additions to the record. Maybe Holmes works those in to the live show and they work out well, but on the album…Not so much. Another note to make isn’t necessarily a song that rubbed me the wrong way, but just made me feel weird. “Revolving Door” featuring Jesca Hoop was eerie enough to make me think it was creepy black and white movie that doesn’t end well….if you know what I mean.

That leads us to the songs that were lively and better bets on Complication Simplified. “Put a Hurt On Me” is funky as is “Mosquitos” which reminded me a little of the vibe Holmes cover album had that he put out last year, rightly titled Covers. “Mosquito” has folk written all over it, but urban in-between the lines. It reminded me of that Eric Hutchinson song “Rock and Roll.” More notable songs were a pair that is radio ready, “Pressing My Luck” and “Stereo,” and the one most can relate to, “Backwards World.”

Complication Simplified had some down moments that weren’t anything to jump around about, but with the left came the right with the lighter toned songs. Fans of Matt Nathanson and Ryan Adams are good candidates for “cool cat” Holmes’ Complication Simplified, out now.