Mason Porter “Heart of the Mountains” brings it back home.
Pennsylvania’s pride “Mason Porter” as recently released their second E.P. In as many years. This six song delight named “Heart Of The Mountains” showcases the band's many musical influences which includes bluegrass, country, rock and folk.
The band got its start in 2006 playing folk songs informally as friends at parties in West Chester, PA. They soon released their self titled debut “Mason Porter” in 2008 resulting in instant approval by music lovers and critic. They played their “alternative bluegrass” as the trio released three more full length albums. “Home for the Harvest” being the third and by this time they had fast become a fixture on the scene. Personally, I enjoyed” Heart Of The Mountains” more than anything they have previously released. The band manages to capture their past folk flavor and flawlessly ingrain it with their bluegrass prowess. Guitarist and vocalist “Paul Wilkinson” playing is dominant right out of the gate as his work shines best on the title track “Heart of the Mountains”. But as you let the record play it is obvious that all five musicians are gifted and all are important to the band's success. In the song “Box of Answers”, I heard Tom Petty’s influence more than Monroe but that is what makes this “alternative bluegrass” band special. They even open up the musical floodgates on “Yosemite” written by the mandolin,guitar and singer “Joe D’ Amico”, who writes the majority of the band's songs. It is a musical rollercoaster where the band takes the listener on a journey, that has me drooling to hear in a live setting.
Any track off “Heart of The Mountains” would sound at home playing at any gas station on I-55 just as well as your living room. Mason Porter takes you on a musical adventure grounded in country but successfully mixes seemingly every genre for an album that will spark the interest of many musical pallets. In a crowded bluegrass genre, they separate themselves with great songs and bravarue talent.
By: Kevin Long
You can purchase this splined album at http://masonporter.com/home/.
