Holden Laurence skillfully marries raw emotion and subtle craftsmanship in his debut release, "Romantic Americana". The sparse presentation of a lone guitar and a solitary voice complements and frames his emotionally intricate lyrics and soothing, at times hypnotic, melodies. Holden Laurence melds the lean precision of John Prine, the lamenting spirit of Townes Van Zandt and the vivid imagery of Iron & Wine to produce a collection of songs saturated in youthful innocence and aching nostalgia.