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

BennyT’s latest drop, “Too Much Pride,” is a compelling track that blends personal introspection with a polished production style, making it a standout in today’s hip-hop scene. As one half of Long Boyz Productions LLC, Benjamin Long—better known as BennyT—has brought his multifaceted creative skills to bear on this single, delivering a piece that’s as visually evocative as it is sonically engaging.

From the jump, “Too Much Pride” hooks you with its smooth, atmospheric beat. The production is clean, yet layered with a depth that reflects BennyT’s background as a videographer and director. There’s a cinematic quality to the track, likely influenced by his extensive experience in creating promo content for local businesses, music videos, and sports recruiting and highlight videos. This song doesn’t just play; it paints a vivid picture.

Growing up, Benjamin Long was no stranger to the struggles of finding one’s path. His brother, Jeremiah Long, co-owner of Long Boyz Productions LLC, was always the one with the clear vision, dragging young Ben along on various filming adventures. For Benjamin, videography seemed like Jeremiah’s gig. It wasn’t until after college, during a period of significant self-reflection, that Benjamin realized his true calling. This journey of self-discovery is palpably woven into the fabric of “Too Much Pride.”

The lyrics are raw and honest, capturing the essence of BennyT’s internal conflict and ultimate acceptance of his passion. Lines like “man I’m so gone, caught up in the mix, that’s where I belong” reflect a relatable struggle with ego and ambition. BennyT’s delivery is both earnest and gritty, striking a balance that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

BennyT’s transition from feeling overshadowed by his brother to co-founding a successful production company is a narrative that adds depth to his music. His work with artists from Kansas City, Texas, Florida, and New York has honed his ability to tell stories through music and visuals, a talent that shines brightly in “Too Much Pride.” The track is a testament to his belief in creating content that his clients—and listeners—are proud to showcase on their platforms.

The beat of “Too Much Pride” is a blend of modern hip-hop and soulful undertones, creating a vibe that’s both contemporary and timeless. The production quality is a cut above, reflecting BennyT’s meticulous attention to detail honed from his videography work. His collaborations with local businesses, such as KC Baggers affiliated with the American Cornhole League (ACL), have clearly influenced his ability to craft compelling narratives, whether through a lens or a microphone.

BennyT’s “Too Much Pride” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative of self-acceptance and artistic dedication. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back and reassessing your path can lead you to your true passion. The authenticity in his music is a direct reflection of his personal journey, making this track resonate on a deeper level with his audience.

For those in the hip-hop community and beyond, “Too Much Pride” is a track that should not be missed. BennyT has proven that he’s not just a talented videographer and director but also a formidable artist in his own right. This single marks an important chapter in his career, one that promises even greater things to come. As BennyT continues to evolve and refine his craft, there’s no doubt that he’ll keep delivering music that’s as powerful as his visuals.

Loren Sperry