Rebecca Haviland’s commanding voice and raw, heartfelt songwriting have defined her career for over two decades. As the driving force behind Whiskey Heart, she leads a powerhouse ensemble—including Chris Anderson (Martin Sexton), Kenny Shaw (Dispatch), Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash), and Nicky Barbato—blending Roots Rock, Soul, and Americana into a sound that’s both timeless and deeply personal.
With the prowess of veterans and the gentle care of a loved one, Haviland and Whiskey Heart craft a stunning Americana ballad with “Fourth of July.” A heartfelt simplicity flows through the band’s new single, a simplicity that makes the emotional songwriting and longing-drenched vocal performance all the more palpable. “Fourth of July” romanticizes the traditions around the holiday while doubling as a vulnerable exploration into Haviland’s past. The poetic songwriting contains beautiful imagery that jumps out of the speakers as if they were out of a child’s pop-up book. Haviland’s songwriting prowess is delivered with silk-lined vocals that wrap around the twangy arrangement in a comfortable, familiar way. While “Fourth of July” never strays too far away from its folksy influences, this is far from an amalgamation of tropes. Haviland and Whiskey Heart play a profoundly personal style of folk, but these stories feel relatable thanks to Haviland’s moving songwriting. “Fourth of July” is a beautifully crafted introduction to a band whose fearless vulnerability manifests into slow-burning anthems destined to soundtrack your next romance.
