Ali Holder, The Kinfolk and Little Brave at 502 Bar, Thursday Sept. 19th

From NO DEPRESSION

Ali Holder: In Preparation for Saturn's Return

The swinging two step of Falling Up is a surprising and addictive opening to Texas singer Ali Holder's In Preparation for Saturn's Return, her debut solo album. The bluesy electric guitar and fiddle of the song reaches right through the speakers and pull you into the album right from the start.
Holder's got a great, addictive bluesy voice and the material here--all originals by Holder--shows a solid grasp of what makes a good song. The 27 year old Holder's been performing live since she was 16, and it shows: her songs are personal and intimate but feel like experiences we can all share. Lost & Found,  You and I and Mourning Dove are particularly fine examples.
While the opening track has its roots firmly in the blues, songs like Drinking Doubles demonstrate more of a country aesthetic. Holder moves smoothly between styles and presents a collection of highly listenable songs to welcome you into her world with.
In Preparation for Saturn's Return is named in honour of an astrological event where the planet Saturn is said to return to to the same place in the sky as the moment of a person's birth. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another 27 years for a follow up: this is a solid debut that shows a lot of promise for the future.
In Preparation for Saturn's Return is available on iTunes. Ali Holder is touring Texas to celebrate the launch of her album.

The Kinfolk
Little Brave

21+, $5