We are delighted to premiere ‘Persimmon’, the new single from Joseph Terrell, who may be familiar to readers as a member of the indie-Americana band Mipso. His songs are a finely crafted blend of genres, with a folk sensibility given freshness by adventurous arrangements and synthesised effects. Produced by Chris Boerner (Hiss Golden Messenger), the rich textures, lush string arrangements and brightness of the overall sound could make Terrell’s relaxed songs the soundtrack for your spring.
There is a hazy warmth to Terrell’s voice and his finger-picked guitar. His confident, easy vocal melody is captivating and drifts over rich and absorbing layers of instrumentation delivered by a team of highly-gifted collaborators. Flourishes of flute from Matt Douglas (Josh Ritter) and fiddle and violin from Tatiana Hargreaves and Libby Rodenbough are held together by Drew Anagnost’s soothing swells of cello, while we’re propelled through the song by the mellow bass of Cameron Ralston (Bonny Light Horseman) and drummer Matt McCaughan’s (Bon Iver) hypnotic rhythms. Chessa Rich and Skylar Gudasz provide harmony vocals, adding a real richness to the tone. Lyrically, the song uses specific details to transport the listener, locate the song and reinforce its authenticity: “Walking the ridgeline, cold in the shade // Laurel and spruce pine scatter the grade.”
‘Persimmon’ is the second single from the forthcoming debut album ‘Good for Nothing Howl’. The record is due for release on Sleepy Cat Records on 5th May 2023 and you can pre-order the album here. On the strength of this and the first single, ‘Cast Iron Kettle’, it promises to be an excellent collection of smartly-written songs. Check it out.
