Another Orion
Tim Houlihan
Independent Release, 2016
Tim Houlihan has a soft denim creased voice, accompanied with a crisp acoustic guitar and while there’s a backing band here, this is enough. Houlihan embodies the role of country-folk troubadour remarkably well and true to form. Image may be NSFW.
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So the rest of the band filling out the rhythm and adding leads, is just icing on the cake. The band as a unit shines brightest on the vaguely Byrds like arrangement of “Beneath the Surface of the Well.”
Title track, “Another Orion,” shakes itself to life quietly before finding it’s groove. “Fair Retreat” is a darker, more urgent number,. The electric piano and guitar solos are troubled and distraught, elusive and convey and apprehensive mind frame.
There’s a warble to Houlihan’s voice when he holds a note, and it’s endearing. It’s like everything he presents on this disc. Smooth from being used over time, not by design. “Somebody Talk to Jesus” is warily hopeful, but not entirely convinced in the promises offered by prayer.
Tim Houlihan is the real deal. His songwriting hearkens back to a time when Americana referred to painting or quilting. Folk and country music were a little more single minded and substantive.
“Going to the Country” indeed. And looking forward to it.
