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
“I Just Want You” by Kina ft. Trevor Daniel delivers a heartfelt serenade for beautiful yearning
In “I Just Want You” by Kina, the 24-year-old Naples-born lo-fi pop maestro behind the platinum hit “Get You The Moon,” featuring Trevor Daniel, crafts a stirring sonic anthem that feels like an intimate whispered confession to the soul. The track radiates a sense of vulnerability, merging Kina’s trademark melancholic production with Trevor’s emotionally charged, velvety vocals in a seamless fusion of emotion and sound.
Right from the start, Kina’s minimalist yet lush instrumentals, with muted beats and delicate piano lines, hum in the background like a pulse, setting the stage for Trevor Daniel’s heart-on-sleeve delivery as he croons about yearning for connection. The song’s emotional gravity is undeniable, each lyric feels weighted with sincerity, a heartbeat echoing the universal ache of missing someone.
The production exemplifies Kina’s quintessential hallmark style, which is characterized by its understated but impactful nature. A warm tapestry of lo-fi elements, soft keys, atmospheric synths, and subtle percussion wraps around Trevor’s vocal performance, creating a cozy, intimate, cinematic soundscape ideal for those quiet moments when you reflect on your feelings.
What really makes “I Just Want You” unique is its ability to mix personal vulnerability, timeless vibes, passionate lyricism, and broad relatability. It’s almost as if the artists invite listeners to relive their sweet memories in a cocoon of love, translating unfiltered emotion into a beautiful melody long after the song ends.
In just under three minutes, Kina and Trevor Daniel remind listeners that sometimes, we really need honest expression set to a simple, lovely tune. “I Just Want You” is a sonic open letter to the heart of anyone who has ever loved, making it impossible not to feel the pull of its charm.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Kina’s “I Just Want You“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“The Tide” by John Doherty stirs an enchanting wave of soulful melodic voyage
“The Tide,” John Doherty’s latest single, exemplifies a masterstroke of heartfelt storytelling and evocative soundscapes. The Irish singer-songwriter, renowned for his soulful vocal delivery, effectively merges the intimacy inherent in traditional folk music with a sophisticated contemporary country music style, crafting a vivid atmosphere that resonates with a timeless charm reminiscent of the ocean.
The composition “The Tide” captivates from its initial notes, sweeping listeners into its wave of introspection and hope. Doherty’s warm vocals, imbued with authenticity, anchor the song as it unfolds melody, accompanied by gentle acoustic strums and a lush instrument arrangement. Co-written and produced in collaboration with the expert craftsmanship of Luca Janzen and John Doherty, the track balances simplicity with cinematic depth.
Lyrically, Doherty articulates the cyclic nature of life, love, and resilience. “The Tide” is employed as a profound metaphor, its fluctuations paralleling human challenges and triumph achievements. His poetic delivery transforms the song into an emotional voyage, where every lyric feels like a personal conversation dialogue. The production is exceptional, featuring intricate layers of melody and harmony that evoke the experience of standing on the shores of the Irish coastline. The influence of Doherty’s extensive touring, including stints performances alongside notable artists such as James Bay and The Staves, is discernible in his polished yet unfiltered authentic artistic approach.
“The Tide” is an auditory invitation for reflection, encouraging listeners to find solace in the rhythms of nature and life. Regardless of one’s musical preferences, whether a folk purist or a country aficionado, this track is bound to leave an indelible mark. Engaging with it will reaffirm why John Doherty’s artistry is an exceptional and worthwhile experience you won’t regret.
For more information about John Doherty, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM John Doherty’s “The Tide“ on Spotify.
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