Mount Moriah is the bibilical mountain range associated with Abraham's binding and nearly successful sacrifice of Isaac on a peak. As the story goes, angels intervene, as Abraham's fear of God was tested that day on the mountaintop. While Genesis typically alludes to a specific peak, today Moriah is associated with the actual range of Jerusalem. Much like this collection of peaks stretches together to offer an iconic image of loyalty, sacrifice, and spirituality, the aptly titled "supergroup" Mount Moriah is a melting pot of stellar musicians and collaborators poised with an already acclaimed three-song EP, The Letting Go, and an upcoming full-length self-titled LP on May 3rd. Some of the musicians are new to us over here, but others are long-time favorites. Heather McEntire and Jenks Miller (of Bellafea and Horseback, respectively) are the mainstay brains behind the Mount Moriah operation, but both the debut and LP are bringing biblical thunder as far as collaboration folks. Our favorites, Phil and Brad Cook of Megafaun, Will Hackney of Bowerbirds, and Daniel Hart of St. Vincent are regular players in both touring and recording. Being North Carolinians only adds to the southern-gospel inspired and rock infused sound the band's putting together. "Lament" is the first released track of the LP, and McEntire croons with all the sensibility of a soulful dirge but with the infectious homespun warble of, yes, Dolly Parton (try to not hear "Jolene" in her voice). Handshakers, clean acousic electric fingerpicking, pillowy organ fills, and gorgeous multiple part vocal harmonies make this 2 1/2 easily accessible minutes of stunning Americana. Enjoy the track and video below. As McEntire pines and wrestles with heartache with "a mouthful of bees," her whispers are connecting to the heart of her southern roots, which gets us excited for the May release (via Holidays for Quince Records).
Mount Moriah "Lament" from Hueism Pictures on Vimeo.
