John Tibbs – ‘Dead Man Walking’ album review

After getting a sampling from a promising EP last fall, singer/songwriter John Tibbs digs deeper into his roots rock sound and spiritually pondering soul throughout the full-length edition of Dead Man Walking. Featuring production from indie favorite Ben Shive (Rend Collective, Colony House), the collection sounds just as authentic musically as it does lyrically, covering themes of finding identity in faith and finally embracing self-acceptance (after struggling with a lifelong speech impediment). Even so, the troubadour sounds crystal clear as his voice sturdily switches from pleading to smooth to soulful, the latter of which is most evident on the redemptive title track’s duet with the enchanting Ellie Holcomb.