Brian McGee/Caleb Caudle/Howie Cohen at Langosta Lounge (Asbury Park, NJ – June 25, 2015)

Artist: Brian McGee, Caleb Caudle, Howie Cohen

Sad Songs Keep the Devil Away Posted On July 3, 2015

North Carolina’s Caleb Caudle joined local singer-songwriters and all-around solid guys, Brian McGee and Howie Cohen, at Asbury Park’s Langosta Lounge, June 25, 2015. Just some dudes pouring their souls out to a crowd that was at times self-involved. Whether you’re at full salute to the stage or a cackling blonde with an oversized smart phone, you’ll feel that dedication one way or another. Hey, at least she left some ribs on the table.

Ghost House guitarist Howie Cohen kickstarted the evening with a strong set of acoustic rock and roll. He’s a crafty picker and fine songwriter to boot, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from him. Winston-Salem’s Caleb Caudle took the stage to a primed crowd and we were surely treated. A seasoned troubadour indeed, Caudle garnered the room’s attention and reeled in more than a few new fans. He opted for new songs to pepper his set list, like “Tuscaloosa” from the upcoming full length, Carolina Ghost (I’ve been graced with a listen, it’s beyond remarkable). There was also “Trade All the Lights” and other gems from albums, Paint Another Layer on My Heart and Tobacco Town. Caudle has a refined confidence that reflects his old soul. Well-traveled at the tender age of 28, with absolutely no plan of letting up, Caudle’s a true showman with a bottomless ammo crate of heat-seeking heart-stompers.

Closing the evening was Brian McGee, with a set that was equal parts hilarity, folked-up punk, and sad country songs. The Plow United frontman, lead guitar player with The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon in Molly and the Zombies, and former ssktda interviewee, told some anecdotal Ruin Creek stories, as well as some choice tracks from that record, including the title track and personal favorites, “My Wheels Are True” and “Born in the Morning”. He also dropped some of the best one-liners I’ve heard in a while. Not a slight at all, they were on-point and thrown with reckless abandon. Good times and music — all the better with a few belly laughs. Some folks just need to be called out and McGee has the balls to do it. Kudos to all three gents, two of which I’ve been a fan of for a long time and one I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from. NJ All Day. (words: sz)