Reviews & Quotes

Texas Music Magazine ~  Spring 2015, Issue #62

Hill Country singer/songwriter Kevin Higgins has been quietly amassing one of the best catalogs in modern folk over the past couple of decades, productive yet obscure, maybe best known for co-fronting the Cosmic Dust Devils with his partner in life and music Barbara Malteze. She’s along for the ride and then some on this project as well, a slight departure from the jug-band folkiness of their Dust Devils work with a shade more mainstream rock influence in the mix. Natural counterpoints on the mic—Higgins’ deep, dusty twang alternating with Malteze’s earthy blues-mama gusto—they follow Higgins’ lyrical musings across the map from Springsteen-worthy anthems (“Bittersweet” would be a full-fledged heartland radio hit in a perfect world) to subtler, more personal tributes to family history (“Honor”, “Monroe County”). There’s a recurring theme in the works, reflected in the name shared by the band and their self-titled album, a concept of being haunted by one’s own restlessness that’s difficult to describe or grasp even after repeated listens but remains moving and compelling all the same.

(Mike Messick)

“Highly recommended to anyone who loves great songs and great performances.” (Jerry Tubb, Multi-Grammy Nominated CEO and Chief Mastering Engineer, Terra Nova Mastering, Austin, TX)

“It all comes down to the song, and Kevin’s got him some good ones.” (Freddy Powers)

“Kevin sings from his soul and his songs speak the truth.” (the late Barry Beckett, Grammy award winning producer, member of Muscle Shoals Sound rhythm section heard on scores of legendary hit recordings)

“I’m reminded of the beauty and uniqueness of Kevin’s songwriting and the great blend of musical textures these two people create together. This record is epic in its vision and rich in its thoughtfulness.” (Stephen Doster, musician, producer)

“Kevin Higgins has been quietly amassing one of the best catalogs in modern folk over the past couple of decades…Springsteen-worthy anthem ‘Bittersweet’ would be a full-fledged heartland radio hit in a perfect world….moving and compelling.”(Mike Messick,  Texas Music Magazine)