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

Alwyn Morrison drops an enchanting love ballad to Manhattan with the single “Lenox Hill”

Alwyn Morrison has delivered an evocative sonic experience with his latest track, “Lenox Hill,” designed for those who have ever felt the pang of leaving a piece of their heart behind. This song emerges as a meticulously crafted blend of pop-rock, characterized by its emotional resonance and sophisticated production techniques. From the opening measures, Morrison immerses listeners in an auditory landscape reminiscent of New York’s electrifying streets, where motifs of love and heartbreak are seamlessly interwoven.

The production, helmed by Michael Carey, an established figure recognized for his collaborations with artists like Pablo Alborán and Idina Menzel, masterfully fuses the raw intimacy inherent in live performances with a contemporary synth-pop aesthetic. This duality creates a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Morrison’s partnership with Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman infuses the songwriting with a dramaturgical quality that elevates it beyond conventional love ballads. Harlan Hodges’ emotive piano arrangements also provide a poignant foundation, enhancing the track’s lingering emotional impact long after the final notes decrescendo.

At its core, “Lenox Hill” explores themes of love and loss, a nuanced meditation on transient moments forever imprinted on our lives. The recording, executed in Los Angeles, showcases Morrison’s earnest and yearning vocal delivery, guiding listeners through the complex emotional landscape of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Each lyric acts as a fleeting memory, meticulously captured in time.

With its rich cinematic production, “Lenox Hill” solidifies Morrison’s identity as a distinctive artist possessing a unique vision. His songwriting transcends mere auditory enjoyment, resonating with a deep emotional core. Whether navigating the remnants of a broken heart or seeking a musical accompaniment to a reflective late-night stroll through New York City, this track stands out as an unforgettable piece of art.

For more information about Alwyn Morrison, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Alwyn Morrison’s “Lenox Hill“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

“No Daylight” by Fiona Amaka evokes an anthemic storm of emotion

It’s as if each release is chasing the next, never quite catching up. Emerging London-based artist Fiona Amaka returns with “No Daylight,” a sonic masterpiece that invites listeners to delve into the unfiltered corners of emotion. From the outset, the track distinguishes itself as a composition and an immersive auditory experience. The crashing guitars and soaring instrumentals create a sonorous landscape, but Fiona’s voice truly takes center stage. Her vocals embody poignant expressiveness, delivering an aching vulnerability long after the last chord fades.

The mesmerizing production of “No Daylight” showcases Fiona’s artistic versatility and sonic innovation. Echo and delay effects aren’t just embellishments but vital threads in the song’s emotional tapestry, amplifying its haunting allure. The track pulses with controlled chaos, balancing intensity with intimacy and power with restraint. Its cinematic quality evokes a palpable sense of time dilation, where emotions rise, and reality blurs into something more profound.

With every release, Fiona Amaka cements her status as a formidable presence in the contemporary music industry. From the pulsating, club-oriented rhythms of ‘In-Club’ to the profoundly introspective ballad ‘Miles Apart,’ her capacity to traverse varied moods and genres is remarkable. “No Daylight” continues this trajectory, further establishing her as an artist to monitor closely. The single brilliantly enriches her discography, crafting compelling soundscapes that captivate listeners and invite deeper engagement.

As the buzz around her music intensifies, “No Daylight” stands out effortlessly, infusing pop sensitivities with her emotive storytelling. Get ready for an evocative auditory journey that warrants repeated listening.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Fiona Amaka’s “No Daylight“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Fiona Amaka | Instagram |