All countries and cultures have their own signature sounds. Some are destined to stay niche sounds, existing in mysterious sonic corners of the larger “world music” or “roots” genres. Others, however, such as Americana, transcend even their country of birth and become more than the name suggests, a style that often pushes well beyond the original demarcations of genre and geography.
But if Americana is a very vague and fluid term, if it is music that acts as the soundtrack to that country, its people, and a certain quintessential way of life, then Heart of Pine has perfected the art of making music that conveys such feelings and identity.
“Movin’ On” is born of a heady mix of country cool and rock energy, soulful licks and blues grooves, the same musical blends that have powered everyone from The Allman Brothers to The Black Crowes to Tedeschi Trucks Band (and anyone who gets the connection between the first and last bands on that list will get where we are heading musically speaking.)
But perhaps the greatest aspect of the song is its slow and subtle tipping of the balance from a gentle piano track to wailing, gospel-infused, searing guitar-fuelled country rock, adding sonic weight by wrapping itself in layers of additional tones and textures as part of its seemingly effortless and effortlessly seamless sonic build.
This is what I think of when I think of Americana, Southern Rock, or Rock ‘n’Soul; take your pick; one term is as good as another. But more than any label, it is the sense of place makes songs like “Movin’ On” and bands such as Heart of Pine such a wonderful experience for me.
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