Albums: Andrew Combs Dream Pictures

Andrew Combs Dream Pictures
Fly In My Wine; Eventide; Point Across; Heavy The Heart; Mary Gold; Your Eyes and Me; Genuine and Pure; I'm Fine; Table For Blue; To Love; The Sea In Me; Dream Pictures

Label: Loose Music

Andrew Combs is an artist who has garnered critical acclaim throughout his career. Rolling Stone has described Andrew Combs as a 'pop perfectionist', immersing his sound in the rich storytelling history of folk and country, yet he refuses to limit himself to these genres. The 37-year-old Texan, now based in Tennessee, co-produced his sixth album, Dream Pictures, with tourmate and drummer Dom Billett, drawing inspiration from the 1970s pop realm. So, the big question is, after five stunning yet unique records, can Combs continue his track record?

A bold statement, but Dream Pictures is his finest release to date. Against the current trend for Tik Tok-worthy snap bites of songs that last less than 2 minutes, Dream Pictures has solid and insightful songwriting that is dreamy and uplifting while simultaneously realistic and raw.

Storytelling is at the very core of all Combs' records, and that is something that he once again excels at on Dream Pictures. While some writers go for outlandish analogies, he keeps it very real, yet sometimes has a special power of making what might be somewhat mundane and every day words seem magically powerful.

With 12 new songs, the record is flawless. However, it is in the bigger, bolder sound of To Love that he really hits his home run. Without playing to radio, it is a faultless radio moment that accentuates his love of 1970s songwriting and production values and echoes the very essence of what the album stands for.

While the record itself is faultless, seeing this album live should be added to the top of your to-do list.