08.02.08
It’s not for the cock, it’s for the southern soul
Micah P. Hinson- “Micah P. Hinson And The Red Empire Orchestra” (Full Time Hobby)
Starting with the soft, 1940s Americana style opener “Come Home Quickly, Darlin’”, Hinson continues in this vein throughout the album. With slow, wistful piano led ballads and camp fire style little ditties, this is an album with a lot of familiarity.
Various American greats- from Dylan to Cash- spring to mind when listening to Micah P. Hinson’s deep, lonesome tones and his acoustic led tales of the Deep South, however this is no mindless nostalgia trip. Hinson takes up the soul of the dust bowl and makes it his own.
A lot has been said about the past of this singer (teenage imprisonment, drug habbits etc) but on “…Red Empire Orchestra” there seems to be a lot more stability than on previous albums. The songs flow gently and smoothly along with themes varying from new found love to redemption.
Although this is an album of very few surprises, something about it is quite welcoming and comforting. “We Won’t Have to Be Lonesome” is a slow, rambling tune with swaying melodies and gusty organ chords, revealing itself as just about the best song on the album. This is not revolution or boundary pushing; this is just good, old fashioned American folk and country for all to enjoy.
The album is out now and you can check out some of Micah’s soothing yet gravel like tones here