Andrew Adkins has done it again, but in a much different way. The Mellow Down Easy lead guitarist/vocalist/songwriter continues to merge tons of influences from the past into something all brand new on his new release, Troublesome My Love (Electrahead Arts & Media). Where his previous work with MDE was much more psychedelic, harder-edged, funkier, and rocking, this release is a bit more, well, mellow. 

Not that it doesn’t have its’ lively moments, such as in the opening cut, a bluesy, harmonica-laden tune that touches on the modern day disillusionment that seems to hover above everyone. Psychedelia makes a bit of a comeback in the 2nd tune, “A Little Bit of Mercy”, and I just love that. Other standouts are “Sister, Your Soul Shines”, “The Blood of a Gambler”, “If You Can’t Swim (You’ll Probably Drown)” (could he be singing about Nashville in this Johnny Cash-like shuffle?), and “Loneliest Boy in the World”. It’s a nicely produced album complete with full instrumental and vocal backing.

I could name several artists that you can just tell have influenced Adkins, but I always resist the urge because the music is always familiar yet brand new. So to say it sounds like this or that just seems unfair.  This is where Adkins’ genius shines; making the familiar new again, with healthy doses of soul, country, roots, folk, rock, and blues. So where I’ve been more likely to play MDE while driving down the road, I see myself playing Troublesome My Love more on the front patio or chilling out on a lazy Sunday morning. But no matter where you listen to it, it will sound good.  Find out where to get the CD or MP3 at www.andrewadkinsonline.com. 

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman