Artist Spotlight
Heart of Pine Release New Music
I admire any band willing to balance retro musical attributes, cross-genre interplay, and evergreen lyrical concerns in an increasingly fragmented entertainment world. Heart of Pine takes those chances, and they pay off handsomely. The band’s slender discography is as solid as they come. Their 2019 full-length debut Highly Flammable had that exact effect.
It exhibited strengths so pronounced that it lit the band’s forward trajectory for the coming years and spawned even greater, yet condensed, success with its EP follow-up 2020’s Southedelic. Anchored by the songwriting team of Steven Bagwell and Travis Richardson, the band’s sophomore full-length Southern Soul Revival continues developing the band’s songwriting chops with the aid of a top-flight band, including the talents of drummer Todd Headley, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Boone Hood, and keyboardist Jesse Fountain.
“Gone” is a deeply felt opener. It’s a reflection on longing for the comforts of home and hearth while avoiding the sentimentality that we might otherwise associate with such songs. It’s expressed simply yet thoughtfully. The arrangement peaks and lulls with well-orchestrated movement that never strikes a false note, and the vocals are superlative throughout. Several stirring elements distinguish the track, but the greatest strengths lie with the expert blending of dueling guitar voices and the intelligent dynamics fueling the song.
I’m a great fan of the valedictory “Movin’ On”. Scores of songs have used this title throughout the history of popular music. Heart of Pine’s take on this well-traveled phrase boasts maturity and leave-taking without rancor while spotlighting another handful of the band’s best attributes. Keyboardist Jesse Fountain dazzles with his piano playing, and the band mixes female backing vocals to counterpoint the lead vocals with great effect.
“This Way” pleased me to no end. The rolling quality of the percussion, the introduction of horns into the mix, and a further illustration of the band’s command of dynamics are crucial. Steven Bagwell’s singing is an outstanding piece of Heart of Pine’s identity that reaches a particular peak with this performance.
“Voodoo Leg Bone” is outrageous fun. It’s driven forward by an assortment of powerhouse elements. Tasty guitar work is present throughout, Jesse Fountain’s keyboards provide ample fireworks, Todd Headley’s drumming may be his best moment on the release, and the lead vocals rank among the album’s finest moments.
Covering Bob Dylan is always a tricky proposition, but Heart of Pine aren’t mimics. Nor do they grab onto the most obvious of choices. “She Belongs to Me” is undoubtedly superb, but it’s an obscure gem in Dylan’s discography. However, Heart of Pine treats the mid-60s track as a major work and refurbishes it in a distinctive Heart of Pine way. It’s exuberant without ever losing the essence of the original.
The conclusion, “Phetamine & Pearls”, namechecks Dylan in its first line. I love this energetic character study of a past relationship, albeit with a woman you wouldn’t introduce to your mother, and it’s filled with zest. It closes Southern Soul Revival on an upbeat musical note and leaves listeners sure that the band’s future is brighter than ever.
Savannah Renfro
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Artist Spotlight
Caplin & Massiah stirs a heartfelt dance through heartbreak in its new single, “Shaped Like You”
Caplin & Massiah have proven their artistic prowess significantly with their latest single, “Shaped Like You.” The composition masterfully transforms heartbreak into a rhythmic, genre-blending masterpiece. Rooted in a dancehall vibe of blues and soul flourishes, it exemplifies the duo’s talent for merging heartfelt storytelling with irresistibly upbeat soundscapes, creating an emotionally impactful and sonically captivating experience.
The introductory segment of the song instantly commands attention through infectious groove-inspired rhythms and coaxing movement from the first beat. However, beneath the vibrant pulse lies a poignant narrative. Born from a deeply personal place of pain, initially inspired by Zeeteah Massiah’s struggles with her daughter, “Shaped Like You” evolves into a broader exploration of how loss manifests in many forms but still finds expression in joyful yearning. The lyrics, “Everybody sees this hole in my heart, and everybody knows it’s shaped like you,” strike an emotional chord that reveals a story of love lost even as the production encourages listeners to dance despite feelings of sorrow. The duo has adeptly reimagined this sentiment into a broader tale of romantic loss.
What distinguishes “Shaped Like You” is the duo’s capacity to marry lyrical sensitivity with sonic innovation. Influenced by an eclectic range of sources, from Ella Fitzgerald’s classic sophistication to Billie Eilish’s avant-garde style, Caplin & Massiah craft a timeless and contemporary sound. Their genre-defying methodology ensures the track resonates with a diverse audience, bridging generations and musical tastes.
This auditory evolution, transitioning from personal grief to heartbreak, manifests prominently in this work, resulting in a nostalgic celebration of resilience and reinvention. By translating a profoundly personal story into an uplifting anthem, Caplin & Massiah affirm their artistic proficiency and versatility, inviting listeners to simultaneously engage in a multifaceted experience encompassing movement, emotion, and healing. “Shaped Like You” is a testament to the power of music to convert sorrow into strength and pain into possibility. Audiences may find themselves inclined to hit repeat, not solely for its rhythmic appeal but also for the poignant story it articulates.
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Artist Spotlight
Haylee Joe unveils a festive classic charm with her new single “Santa, Did You Get My Letter?”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, singer and songwriter Haylee Joe effectively encapsulates the sparkling magic of the holiday season with her dazzling new single, “Santa, did you get my letter?” This enchanting composition proves that the Christmas music genre remains eternally relevant. It presents a modern twist on festive cheer, brimming with vibrant energy and memorable melodies. Teaming up with co-writer Jayelie Gerber and producer Drew Louis, Haylee delivers a timeless and delightfully current track.
From the outset, listeners are swept into a whirlwind of a joyful holiday atmosphere. The song’s upbeat tempo, sparkling production, and Haylee’s effervescent vocals convey Christmas’s warmth to the audience. It’s a spirited follow-up to her 2022 holiday hit “Dear Santa,” affirming Haylee’s capacity to infuse the season with elegance and sophistication.
Lyrically, the song evokes the childlike wonder associated with Christmas, penning wishes to Santa with an air of hope and enthusiasm. However, Haylee’s modern, playful delivery distinguishes this song from others. The production, expertly mastered by Justin Perkins, perfectly balances classic holiday instrumentation and a pop-driven rhythm, making it suitable for various playlists and holiday parties alike.
The accompanying music video significantly enhances the overall experience, introducing a visual dimension to an irresistible track. With its infectious energy, “Santa, did you get my letter?” is an auditory invitation to dive into the festive spirit, fostering a sense of joy and rhythm during the holiday season. Whether one is engaged in gift-wrapping or savoring a cup of cocoa, “Santa, Did You Get My Letter?” is the type of song that contributes to a more vibrant holiday classical for the modern generation, establishing herself as a noteworthy Pop Santa audiences did not realize they needed!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Haylee Joe’s “Santa, Did You Get My Letter?“ on Spotify.
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