Radio Haw releases debut album

Radio Haw is the new artistic banner of Pittsboro, North Carolina-based artist Matt Gray, who draws inspiration from legendary songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen and Robert Hunter of Grateful Dead. As Radio Haw, he crafts bedroom folk music that recalls the intimate feel of artists like Elliott Smith and Hiss Golden Messenger’s early works. Rooted in the Southern Gothic tradition, Radio Haw’s sound is steeped in the atmosphere of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, particularly the tree-shrouded, poison ivy-lined paths of the Haw River.

Making his entrance as Radio Haw earlier this month, he released his debut single “ghouls in decline” which was quickly followed by the sophomore track “transcendental lazaretto.” Now he brings us his most ambitious project to date, his debut full-length record titled counsel of serpents. This ten-track album, which first began as home demo recordings amid the unrest of the early 2020s, captures a unique blend of psychedelic folk rock, instilled with reflective lyrics, crunchy guitars and ethereal organs.

Starting off with “someone dosed the fiddler,” washy guitar strums are met with hazy textures to form a psychedelic soundscape as Radio Haw’s soft vocal delivery floats above stretched organ tones and the pattering groove of percussion. Threading smooth melodies through the immersive arrangement, he crafts a laid back folk rock sound wrapped in atmosphere.

The sombre twangs of guitar on debut single “ghouls in decline” set a lilting rhythm as the brush of drums and the artist’s vocal drawl spins vivid imagery while the smokey tones wrap around his voice. Capturing a timeless songwriting sound filtered through his own thoroughly original musical lens, the ever-present fuzzy background offers a truly unique listening experience that attests to the depth of Radio Haw’s creativity and his knack for presenting accessible songwriting in a completely new way.

“heaven-bent” pairs playful guitar plucks and warm rhythms grounded by the shake of tambourine to create a misty Americana-tinged sound as his rich voice hovers above and the gentle crash of drums injects a mellow energy. Light and breezy, it’s a charming moment on the record that sees Radio Haw continue to present the range of his sonic vision.

Other highlights on the album include songs like “a change” with its melancholic blend of lo-fi guitar and keys capped by the hushed tones of emotive vocals. At once downtempo and subtly lively with the rattle of percussive shots, heartwarming vocals and lyrics pair with a mesmeric folk rock arrangement resulting in an elegant and memorable sound.

Previously released single “transcendental lazaretto” serves up delicate wisps of intricate guitar flutters and distant organ stretches that tumble into a balletic dance as the muffled punch of drums and engaging vocal performance combine to create a sound that flows from the intimate and graceful to the lofty and calmly anthemic.

Closing the album with “lullaby,” an ambient piece of drifting tones and the sweeping dashes of lightly gritty guitar, spoken word style vocals provide the perfect lyrical context to conclude the record. From start to finish, counsel of serpents provides a satisfying listening experience that distils familiar musical ideas into a progressive sonic cocktail. While Radio Haw might not write like McCartney, posses the voice of Cash or have the performance chops of Vaughan; thats really quite alright. What he offers is an authentic musical experience of honest songwriting brought to life in a way that seeks not to mimic others but capture a real snapshot of his own artistic expression. counsel of serpents is an album of delightful music that comes straight from the heart of a worthwhile artist that’s sure to connect with listeners around the world.

Listen to counsel of serpents below