Heart of Pine – ‘Southern Soul Revival’ [Album Review]

Straight out of Athens, Georgia comes Heart of Pine with their new album, Southern Soul Revival. It reveals their charismatic Southern psychedelia sound, aka Southedelic, a blend of classic rock, blues, country, jam, Americana, and funk.

Heart of Pine was formed in 2015 by Steven Bagwell and Travis Richardson. Over the course of time, Heart of Pine has expanded its lineup to include keyboardist extraordinaire Jesse Fountain, multi-instrumentalist Boone Hood on bass, and longtime Athens, GA musician Todd Headley on drums.

In 2019, the band dropped their debut long player, Highly Flammable, featuring “Evangeline,” “Four Feet Deep,” and “Gypsy Queen.” They followed with their 2020 EP, Southedelic. Heart of Pine has shared the stage with the Turnpike Troubadours, Brent Cobb, Drivin N Cryin, 49 Winchester, Red Clay Strays, and Corey Smith.

Comprising nine tracks, entry points on the album include “Gone,” with its prog-rock-like intro flowing into low-slung, country-flavored guitars topped by delicious vocals drenched in drawling, nasal tones that radiate bluesy angst.

Dark and resonant, “Hello Heartache” highlights the band’s Southedelic sound, showcasing a luscious, braying organ that infuses the tune with the sensation of emotional despondency.

A personal favorite because of its sleazy, slinky feel and tangs of funk, “Voodoo Leg Bone” travels on snaking guitars, brass accents, and tight, finessed percussion with a rolling motion. There’s a storytelling vibe to the vocals, narrating the superstitious, menacing behavior of the local boogeyman.

Heart of Pine, photo by Brandon Gasaway

“Fire three shots / Cause I ain’t feeling safe / All the birds stop chirping / And it’s just too late / Because ol Voodoo Leg Bone / He come on creeping through the woods.”

Another excellent track, “EmGAB,” reels and oozes with oily guitars that descend into a schmoozing, bluesy bridge, followed by a lysergic guitar solo silhouetted against bleeding keyboards.

Reminiscent of The Black Crowes crossed with The Allman Brothers Band, Heart of Pine hits all the right notes on Southern Soul Revival.

Southern Soul Revival Track Listing:

1. Gone
2. Hello Heartache
3. Movin’ On
4. Fool’s Game
5. This Way
6. Voodoo Leg Bone
7. She Belongs to Me
8. EmGAB
9. Phetamine & Pearls

Run Time: 37:04
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Record Label: Independent