“I composed the songs that became Terms of Surrender with no guarantee that they would ever become a record; they felt too raw to be of interest to anyone but myself. They were my therapy and my church. But then we were there in Aaron Dessner’s studio in upstate New York, and in Sound City in L.A., and Roger Moutenot’s Haptown Studio in Nashville, and Phil Cook’s harmonica was screaming and Jenny Lewis was singing and Josh Kaufman’s guitar was etching the cosmos, and I realized that maybe these songs were good for something after all, and it wasn’t my year to die.” Hiss Golden Messenger is an American folk music group from North Carolina lead by frontman and songwriter MC Taylor. Taylor deftly integrates many elements of classic American music into his sound - acoustic guitar, eerrie mandolin, gospel drama, quirky electric pianos, and droning steel guitar. Terms of Surrender was recorded during a grief-stricken time in his life following the death of his father, making this a raw, heartfelt expression. Taylor’s frequent collaborator Scott Hirsch is not on this record, but producer Brad Cook (Whitney, Waxahatchee, Sharon Van Etten) maintains a natural, clear, and present vibe that is further elaborated on by guest musicians which include Phil Cook, Aaron Dessner of The National, and Jenny Lewis. Album opener “I Need A Teacher” begins the album with a rambling twang, “Bright Direction (You’re A Dark Star Now)” is meditative guitar and ghost-in-the-machine vocal samples. “Cat’s Eye Blue” is a more clearly sombre tune, his nearly unadorned voice bringing to mind Elvis Costello’s more heartfelt moments. This is the Merge Peak Vinyl coke bottle clear pressing, which also includes a 23x33” two color newsprint poster. Also includes a printed inner sleeve with full album lyrics.

• indie exclusive "peak vinyl" coke bottle clear colored vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve and printed inner
• includes 23x33 two color newsprint poster
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Merge Records 2019

reviewed by MICHAEL HURLEY 09/2019