Hiss Golden Messenger, which is NC singer/songwriter M.C. Taylor and a rotating cast of collaborators, is back with its unique brand of southern back-porch mysticism. Whereas 2014’s acclaimed Lateness of Dancers took on a more folk, blues and gospel oriented sound, Heart Like a Levee embodies a country-funk, soul, R&B, and southern rock vibe ala 1960’/’70s era Muscle Shoals and Stax. As the title infers, the eleven tracks were written in 2015 when Taylor struggled with the decision to give up the security a day job offered his family and pursue music full-time. The result is an excellent set of songs that are both raw and reflective but also jubilant and hopeful. Highlights include: the rolling country-rock opener “Biloxi”; the jubilant “Tell Her I’m Just Dancing”; the reflective title track; the funky “Like A Mirror Loves a Hammer”; the hazy “As The Crow Flies”; the soulful folk duet with Tift Merritt, “Happy Day (Sister My Sister)”; and the album R&B tinged closer “Highland Grace.” Heart Like a Levee is another great record by Hiss Golden messenger that is filled heart, emotion and experimentation. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Field Report, Mount Moriah, Strand of Oaks, Ryley Walker