

One of the more understated bands signed to Merge Records, Mount Moriah write country songs shot through with ropey rock guitar and drowsy orchestration. Heather McEntire’s earthy, yearning voice is uncommonly entrancing, whether she’s surveying North Carolina scenery (fisheries, water towers, a blood-red moon) or courting the recurring spectre of God. She brings shivering vocal urgency to “Cardinal Cross,” while opener “Calvander” peaks with a low-slung, heart-seizing sing-along. Fans of Freakwater, Tarnation and Loretta Lynn will love this raggedly catchy album.