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
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google News
Artist Spotlight
“Mimosa” by Proklaim delivers a soulful anthem for the trailblazers and dream-chasing
“Mimosa,” the latest single by Proklaim, hits the airwaves like a breath of fresh, inspiring air in the hip-hop scene, blending soulful vibes with a powerful message of self-empowerment. From the first flicker of soft instrumentation, the track invites listeners into a space where airy beats flutter beneath Proklaim’s steady, confident flow. It’s an understated yet potent musical soundbeat produced by Jake Laiumi that perfectly sets the tone for the reflective lyricism to follow. In contrast, Wojtek Majewski’s mixing and mastering of Audio Art Namibia add clarity to the layered emotions of the song.
Lyrically, “Mimosa” is about daring to be different and staking your claim on dreams regardless of whether anyone else has ventured down the same path. Proklaim’s verses resonate with a sense of purpose and determination, encouraging listeners to push beyond real or imagined boundaries, taking up space unapologetically where they rightfully belong.
What’s striking is the inspiration and humility in his delivery. There’s no bragging, just genuine grit, and hope, underscored by a sound subtly weaves influences from legends like Lauryn Hill and J. Cole with surprising nods to rock icons like Nirvana and Creed. It’s an eclectic mix, giving “Mimosa” a genre-fluid feel still rooted in soulful hip-hop echo.
With an infectious cadence, Proklaim delivers a hopeful yet honest soundtrack that’s sharp, smooth, and compelling. It makes “Mimosa” a soul-stirring song that fires up the ambition within anyone ready to step into their power and have the audience feel like the world is yours for the taking.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Proklaim’s “Mimosa“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Proklaim | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
WHIT drops sonic alchemy with her debut EP, “WHIT”
The wait is over! WHIT, the trailblazing artist formerly known as Whitney Miller, has officially unleashed her highly anticipated debut self-titled EP, and it’s every bit as explosive and mesmerizing as promised. This four-track EP brings an extraordinary mix of rock, country, and soul genres into an irresistible sonic adventure from the first note to the last, reminiscent of Jelly Roll, HARDY, and the rebellious early releases of Kelly Clarkson and P!nk for enthralling fans.
WHIT, a South Texas native, has already made waves in Nashville as a former Miss Texas (2012) and Miss United States (2013), an MMA fighter, kickboxing commentator, and a well-regarded podcaster. However, her eclectic venture into music has unveiled yet another layer of her impressive multifaceted phenomenon. Her EP showcases a distinctive sound, rich with evocative storytelling and heartfelt lyrics that dive deep into human experiences.
The EP starts with the hauntingly beautiful “Black And Blue,” where delicate flute melodies and raw lyricism entwine with a brooding instrumental backdrop, setting a profound tone. This track pulls listeners into deep contemplation, immediately establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. Followed by the gritty, soul-stirring rock anthem “Go To Hell,” WHIT demonstrates her ability to craft narrative-driven rock-infused ballads that challenge and empower. It bursts forth with an unapologetic declaration of resilience and heartfelt emotion.
The EP’s third track, “Grass Is Greener,” shifts gears slightly, offering a glimmer of infectious optimism amidst the relational shadows. It is a soulful reflection on the contemplation of better love and relationships with an anthemic spirit that inspires and uplifts, inviting listeners to explore the concept of the illusion of greener pastures in relationships with an enduring message that resonates deeply with anyone who ever dreamed of a better connection. Closing out the EP is “Ready Or Not,” a mesmerizing track that leaves an indelible mark with its introspective lyricism and immersive soundscape. It’s a stirring exploration of love’s unbridled charm, losing oneself in the moment, whether they’re prepared for it or not.
With her four-track debut EP, WHIT delivers a sonic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Each track is a testament to her versatility, unique artistic vision, and meticulous craftsmanship, proving she’s not just another artist on the scene; she’s here to redefine music in a way that’s as dynamic and intriguing as the artist herself. The EP “WHIT” is a vibrant addition to any playlist for those craving a fresh, introspective take on the rock and country genres. Prepare to be enchanted by her musical brilliance and unapologetic authenticity.
For more information about WHIT, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM WHIT’s EP “WHIT“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH WHIT | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
