This one is a killer folks. In full disclosure, we are releasing the new album from Nebraskan Max Holmquist now known as The Great American Desert at our label, Yer Bird Records. The new album is called Carson City and it will be released on June 26th. Now, I know you are wondering and thus you could say it is a collection of songs described as such;

‘…guitar and hushed vocals weaving tales of gambling husbands, runaway daughters, troubled lovers and old run down houses that hold fond memories.’

So then…exactly what we like around here and hence why we are soo excited to have Max as part of our Slowcoustic/Yer Bird Records family!

You might remember Holmquist under his previous moniker South of Lincoln who was already on my best albums of 2011 and I had crowned him ‘Best New Artist’ for his stellar album Homes back in early September 2011 (see here). Holmquist creates songs that thrust you into uncomfortable situations, bad experiences and dark times all the while making it sound breathtakingly gorgeous. As an almost overplayed reference goes, this is Sad Bastard Music at it’s best.

A staunch Nebraskan (hence his former name as South of Lincoln and now The Great American Desert), Holmquist approaches life with eyes older than his actual age – which always amazes me in musicians. Yes, the singer songwriter genre may be crowded and sometimes not that much separates some folkies – but I truly believe Holmquist hits it out of the park. Songs are catchy, but not overly slick, sombre while urging you through hard times and a whisper of a voice that can easily grow to a powerful timbre at any notice.

The new album can be pre-ordered from the just launched Bandcamp page for both digital and vinyl LP versions. Just a note that we are providing a FREE CD version of the album with all vinyl pre-orders! The album is not being sold in CD format, so these are exclusive pre-order and album launch discs only – don’t miss out on it.

And for those who prefer Soundcloud for their streaming:

Track-listing

1. Black Cadillacs

2. John & Ruth

3. Carson City

4. Bedsheets

5. Dirt Roads

6. Brother

7. Whiteclay

8. Salesman

9. Father’s House

Bonus: Watch The Great American Desert perform the track ‘Brother’ and chat with the Lawrence High School Media Students for their ‘Classroom Sessions’.

Find out more on The Great American Desert: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Label Page

PRE-ORDER: Bandcamp

~Smansmith