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
Cali Tucker blooms with a soulful anthem of liberated courage in her newest single, “Dandelion”
Mixed and Mastered by John Norten, Cali Tucker’s newest single, “Dandelion,” presents a profound emotional exploration wrapped in poetic brilliance. Her lyrical delivery intricately intertwines the heartfelt essence of her roots steeped in country royalty with the boldness of a contemporary R&B twist that effectively encourages audiences to confront the juxtaposition of beauty and the need to liberate oneself from the detrimental influences that impact one’s well-being.
Drawing upon her musical heritage as the niece of renowned country singer Tanya Tucker and daughter of LaCosta Tucker, Cali’s artistry emanates authenticity and depth. “Dandelion” unfolds like an introspective dialogue with the soul, characterized by delicate guitar riffs paired with soaring vocals that echo the song’s core metaphor: a predatory weed masquerading as a flower.
The production, orchestrated by PK and Tricia, amplifies her vibrancy by incorporating subtle twang, refreshing atmospheric strings, and a classic rhythmic framework. The mesmerizing melody flows seamlessly, mirroring the bittersweet realization of the necessity to relinquish that which does not contribute to one’s growth. As Cali sonically articulates her message of resilience, audiences can viscerally perceive the wind dispersing those symbolic seeds of deception and toxicity concealed behind a charming facade, making way for new beginnings.
It’s easy to see why this song is an engaging anthem: a mantra encapsulating a redefined interpretation of self-empowerment. Initially released in 2021, “Dandelion” quickly became a hit for Cali, recently amassing over 500,000 streams; its viral resurgence is no surprise. This phenomenon emphasizes the enduring significance of timeless storytelling and genuine emotional expression. Before this release, the artist, Cali, had succeeded with two notable singles, “Country Couture” and “Urban Cowboy.” Her performance captivates the audience, creating a shared experience that resonates personally.
Cali Tucker has masterfully transformed her vocal expressions into a sonic anthem that many can relate to, skillfully balancing vulnerability with fierce resolve. This achievement demonstrates that Cali represents far more than a name tied to a musical legacy. “Dandelion” serves as a reminder that even the prettiest masks may obscure underlying harm and that true beauty is characterized by the courage to eradicate the “weeds” in one’s life, thus seizing the opportunity to reclaim our peace and happiness through self-affirming choices.
For more information about Cali Tucker, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Cali Tucker’s “Dandelion“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Promise Me” by Cat Cork evokes a nostalgia for hopeful dehort to positivity
“Promise Me,” a composition by Cat Cork, is a heartwarming invitation to engage with themes of commitment where nostalgia meets optimism. Originating from the tranquil shores of Woy Woy, Australia, Cat Cork presents a musical piece that embodies as much like a warm embrace as it does a subtle nudge toward hopeful prospects.
Crafted alongside his trusted collaborator Cameron Taylor and a cohort of talented, world-class musicians via Musiversal, “Promise Me” lyrically illuminates the concepts of connection and unwavering trust. The amalgamation of Cat’s locally-produced studio recordings and his team’s global collaborative ethos fosters a vibrant sonic landscape that feels profoundly intimate yet universally relatable.
Cat Cork’s vocal performance is effortlessly emotive, weaving a vintage aesthetic paired with modern production techniques that preserve the song’s inherent charm. The song commences with a gentle swirl of lush instrumentation and evocative lyricism, infused with a radiant positivity that mirrors Cat’s distinctive style. The acoustic melody flows smoothly, evoking memories of cherished moments while instilling hope for the future. Through its synthesis of authentic storytelling and soothing sonics, “Promise Me” effectively conveys a delicate balance between commitment and loyalty while looking forward with courage.
As the inaugural chapter in his 2025 musical adventure, “Promise Me,” sets a promising precedent for forthcoming projects. Cat Cork’s capacity to weave genuine emotion into each note makes this track exceptional. It provides listeners with a comforting yet invigorating experience that underscores life’s simple yet profound truths. This work celebrates shared humanity, resonating deeply with audiences, whether they are reflecting on past experiences or seeking clarity in the present.
For more information about Cat Cork, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Cat Cork’s “Promise Me“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Cat Cork | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
