Hiss Golden Messenger Finds an Upbeat Groove on New Album
M.C. Taylor got tired of being bummed out. The North Carolina-based singer-songwriter, who records and performs as Hiss Golden Messenger, released his contemplative pandemic album, “Quietly Blowing It,” in 2021. So, for the follow-up, the August-released “Jump for Joy,” he decided it was time to make a positive pivot.
In the dance-ready “Shinbone,” one of the record’s most upbeat tracks, Taylor sings: “Woke up this morning, my God I felt happy—what a strange sensation.”
That jubilant vibe is felt throughout some of the album’s best songs, including the swampy “Nu-Grape” and the foot-stomping title track, a bluesy rave-up about finding a few moments to feel some sunshine in dark times.
Since forming Hiss back in 2009, Taylor has used lyrics to grapple with heavy feelings. From the lo-fi bedroom confessions of 2010’s “Bad Debt” to the soulful indie-folk ruminations of 2019’s “Terms of Surrender,” which was nominated for a Best Americana Album Grammy Award, his albums often explore areas of human frailty.
“I’ve spent a lot of time on the interior,” Taylor explained in a statement, “and I was on a quest to find another way to sing about vulnerability and tenderness and the search that felt more outward facing.”
Part of the credit for Taylor finding a happier mindset goes to his current band personnel. As a fixture on the fruitful Durham music scene, Taylor has often rotated the group’s evolving line-up with different casts of great players, but in the past few years he’s dialed in a steady crew that’s toured heavily together since pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Hiss songs always stretch out and take new shape on stage, but recent shows have been particularly experimental, including extended jams and Grateful Dead covers. That cut-loose energy was transferred to the studio when the band went to record “Jump for Joy” in the fall of 2022 at Sonic Ranch Studio in Tornillo, Texas, right near the Mexican border.
“California King,” which comes towards the end of the record, has a freewheeling groove that punctuates the album’s message and captures the spirit of the band’s new direction.
“I knew that I wanted this record to be full of joy,” Taylor added, “because if we’re standing at some kind of finish line of human civilization—and I’m not saying that we are, but some days it sure feels that way—then I want to go out dancing.”
Hiss Golden Messenger recently concluded a coast-to-coast fall tour in support of “Jump for Joy.” The band will finish the year with a two-night New Year’s Eve run at the Pour House in Charleston, S.C., on Dec. 30 and 31.
5 Essential Songs
“Nu-Grape”
Soulful and swampy, this standout from Hiss Golden Messenger’s new album “Jump for Joy” has enough levity to blend existential pondering with a reference to a sugary Southern soda.
“Heart Like a Levee”
The title track from the 2016 album is a swinging folk song about dealing with big feelings and a heavy heart that features call-and-response gospel vocals from a supporting cast that includes Tift Merritt.
“Glory Strums (Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner)”
With a meditative groove and soothing harmonica in the distance, this track from 2020’s “Quietly Blowing It” features Taylor at his introspective best.
“Saturday’s Song”
This country-rock song from Hiss Golden Messenger’s breakout 2014 album “Lateness of Dancers” features limber, twangy guitar, a peppy drumbeat and lyrics about living for the weekend.
“Happy Birthday, Baby”
Tender and personal, this slow-burning rock song is a gift to Taylor’s daughter. It comes from the 2019 album “Terms of Surrender,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
