Drew Holcomb made his name writing tunes that illuminate life’s ordinary moments. The songs on Dragons continue to showcase Holcomb’s ability to find the poetry in everyday events. The album has a more polished sound, thanks to producer Cason Cooley, but they still deal with familiar themes of love, loss and jubilation. Things kick off with “Family,” a celebration of good times that has Holcomb’s fervid vocals riding a Bo Diddley beat intensified by clapping hands. “End of the World” wiggles a laughing middle finger in the face of mortality. Holcomb takes on life’s contradictions with his usual wry humor—“My enemies and friends share the same residence”—and invites us to live life to its fullest, for as long as it lasts. Chiming guitars open “Make It Look So Easy.” It’s a mid-tempo rocker that revels in the moment that love appears and changes everything for the better, without diminishing the bumps in the road. Holcomb shows off his poignant side with “You Never Leave My Heart,” a ballad that deals with the death of his brother. Although it happened 20 years ago, the
pain is still fresh. Holcomb makes us feel the scars left by the teardrops that will continue falling until the end of his life. The title track, featuring The Lone Bellow, takes another look at the loss of a family member, and was inspired by a visit from his grandfather’s ghost. Acoustic guitar, minimal drums and Holcomb’s uplifting vocals echo the inspirational message his grandfather left behind—“Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.”