Altered Zones

Daniel Bachman first came to my attention when Mirror Universe released his tape Feast of the Green Corn earlier this year. Noticeably out of line with the proto-chillwave the South Carolina label had released prior, Sacred Harp culled Appalachian ragas reminiscent of Robbie Basho, John Fahey, and most recently, Jack Rose (R.I.P.), and while the comparisons are apt, they are not defining. Sacred Harp is not simply channeling these axe-men, but rather joining the tradition from a different standpoint, one with as much clear focus on dirging drones, as high-mountain balladry. Sacred Harp's debut full-length Apparitions at the Kenmore Plantation, proves that Bachman can sit side-by-side on Grandfather Mountain playing with his elders, and that each will most likely look at him slyly and nod in recognition, which is pretty much the best compliment you could get from an elder statesman. One of the most striking debuts of the year, and one that sits mighty well next to Julian Lynch's Mare, and Rose's swan song, Luck In the Valley. (via Chocolate Bobka)

MP3: Sacred Harp: "Rappahannock (JR)"

Sacred Harp's Apparitions at the Kenmore Plantation is currently available as a free digital dowload, as well as a limited, self-released edition of 300 from the artist himself. Highest recommendation!