Hiss Golden Messenger- Lateness of Dancers (ALBUM REVIEW)

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hissgoldenalbumM.C. Taylor, better known as Hiss Golden Messenger, is one to watch. On his follow up to last year’s incredibly sparse and haunting Bad Debt, he’s lightened his load a bit to radiant results. Lateness of Dancers finds Taylor embracing a more sun-drenched country sound than we’re used to from him. Inspired by the works of a number of late greats in Southern literature, Dancers is truly heavenly, warm, inviting and smooth.

“Saturday’s Song” rattles with a faint mandolin that subtly adds to the vibrancy of the instrumental arrangement made up of keys, guitars and percussion, and the soundscape is a world in which we immediately want to inhabit. “I might get a little crazy/I might drink a little whiskey…when Saturday comes/I’m gonna rock my soul,” Taylor sings with the warm sweetness of Tom Petty. This is the ultimate slice of ideal Americana—sunny, bright, laid back, and totally classic. It’s a song that leaves you wondering, how did I ever survive with hearing this?

The peepers in the background of title track “Lateness of Dancers” continue to lead us on this earthly journey, and with this song we are treated to some of the best vocals on the record. Taylor’s singing voice is equal parts raspy and creamy, and it goes down easy, particularly on this atmospheric song that’s so resonantly specific of a place. It’s visual and gritty, and just a little bit haunting.

There’s a cloak of darkness underneath even the brightest of tunes on Dancers, and regardless of the irresistible call to the dance floor that comes with many of the songs, there’s a Southern gothic undertone that cannot be ignored. Characters with deep flaws and storied pasts in complicated settings make appearances throughout, and Dancers is as dense as the books from which it draws inspiration. It tells tales of loyalty to a place despite its imperfections, a common theme in Southern literature. “Black Dog Wind (Rose of Roses)” might be the most vivid example of this, and is a carefully crafted ballad not to be missed. It’s sad and beautiful all at once, and draws you so far in you won’t come out the other side the same.

“Southern Grammar” and “I’m a Raven (Snake Children)” are two of the more rocking tunes on Dancers, both clanging with bluesy electric guitar and female-assisted harmonies. Hypnotizing and nearly impossible not to groove to, these show a side of Hiss Golden Messenger of which we long to hear more. They add an almost menacing quality to the record that’s so devilish; we can’t help but shake along.

Hiss Golden Messenger is one of those rare songwriters that come along once in a blue moon. His sound is timeless, with hints of pared down folk, burning rock and roll, and cool blues and soul, and he puts all those ingredients together in a way that’s unforgettable and impactful. Anyone lucky enough to experience his music will walk away both changed and dying for more. Listeners will feel extra fortunate when they get to hear the final song “Drum”, a gospel-inflected, banjo-driven gem that’s a culmination of a damn fine record from an artist that must be paid close attention.

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