Jeb Loy Nichols Finds Quiet Power in Soulful Storytelling on This House Is Empty Without You

Following the release of the 7” single Step In b/w Coming Home Love, Wyoming-born troubadour Jeb Loy Nichols returns with “First Night Away From Home,” the first single from his upcoming album This House Is Empty Without You. The song sets the tone immediately—unhurried, intimate, and emotionally resonant—inviting listeners into a record that values subtlety, space, and sincerity over spectacle.

Backed once again by Timmion Records’ renowned house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Nichols delivers a full-length album that sits comfortably among the label’s finest releases. Rooted in southern soul traditions yet unmistakably shaped by Nichols’ singular voice and lyrical sensibility, the album feels both timeless and deeply personal. There’s no rush here—just confidence in the power of a well-told story and a groove that knows exactly when to lean in and when to step back.

From the gently loping opener “First Night Away From Home,” the album unfolds like a great summer book, best enjoyed slowly, preferably with a warm breeze and nothing demanding your attention. Nichols has a rare gift for making his performances feel effortless, as if he’s singing just for you—from a porch, a back room, or the corner of a dimly lit bar. But beneath that ease lies songwriting of real depth, supported by arrangements that reward close listening: subtle organ swells, snapping drums, and deep-pocket grooves that never overplay their hand.

Cold Diamond & Mink once again provide the perfect analog foundation—pure soul with no filler. Their chemistry with Nichols feels intuitive, allowing the songs to breathe naturally while maintaining a steady emotional pull. Adding another layer of warmth and spirit is Emilia Sisco, whose gospel-infused background harmonies grace several tracks, lifting the songs without ever overshadowing their quiet strength.

This House Is Empty Without You draws from classic influences, but it never feels like a throwback for its own sake. Instead, it sounds present, lived-in, and honest. It’s a masterclass in understated soul, proving that Jeb Loy Nichols isn’t simply sustaining a long and varied career—he’s still growing, glowing, and finding new ways to tell the truth with grace and restraint.