Nashville-based singer-songwriter David Newbould has seen a great deal of success through his songs being used for TV shows Criminal Minds, Joan Of Arcadia, 7th Heaven etc, films and DVDs but it is an out and out recording act he rises to another level.
Title-track “The Devil Is His Name” opens the 4-track offering quick as an arrow as it bolts out the chute, and though on first listen I felt it was just a little too full and commercial leaning my fear disappeared once I jumped on board to enjoy, the exhilaration of a song that speaks of the struggle between good and evil in the world today. Although it is arguably his best chance regards gaining radio attention those to follow are for me, stronger, and with his lyrics amazingly descriptive on five-star tunes “Clam Bake City” and “Standing At The Crossroads Too Long” his work is most inspiring. His biting vocals and gritty guitar and B-3 arrangements on the latter are reminiscent of Steve Young. Great stuff. While the whole thing about standing, or otherwise at the crossroads is arguably an over used phrase Newbould and the Stowaways (who play a major part to ensure his songs are shown in the best light) nail the song like few others could or dream of. As for “Clam Bake City” Newbould’s footloose rambling style evokes a rich mass of vivid imagery.
“Love You Like I Don’t Know How” is a beautiful caring love song, and with its gentle, acoustic leaning presentation it rekindles the sound of the singer-songwriters of the 1970s, a captivating piece it takes the listener away from the hustle and bustle of modern day living in classy / artful fashion.
Be sure to check this man out, join his mailing list or whatever to ensure you don’t miss out when he records another EP or as he has a couple of times in the past, a full album (Tennessee, 2013). Oh, if only this record wasn’t a full-blown record too!
Maurice Hope