If you’re looking for the thread that ties together the gritty post-grunge Hunter Morris once crafted in Gift Horse with the sharp and infectious pop and rock he’s been churning out more recently with Blue Blood, you need look no further than producer Hank Sullivant (MGMT, The Whigs, Kuroma). (Well, there’s also Morris, duh, and his penchant for whip-smart songwriting — but that goes without saying.) Sullivant has remained a steady presence and welcome collaborator throughout both projects, and over the years has had as much an influence as anyone in helping to shape Morris’ creative vision.
“Love is an Art” is the second single from Blue Blood’s upcoming sophomore LP, Pretty Wars, which once again has the Athens songwriter teaming up with his longtime producer, as well as Nick Robbins (Velveteen Pink, Palace Doctor), who helps round out the studio band. The track is a catchy blast of warm power-pop that finds Morris sounding casual yet commanding, his smooth vocals and wry lyrics gliding blissfully against the polished sheen of Sullivant’s crisp production. The song projects a breezy effortlessness that’s impressive, and although it never crystallizes around a central hook, there’s still plenty here to dig into.
Listen below.
Pretty Wars is out June 23 via Athens label Laser Brains.
Blue Blood will perform on Tue., May 30 on the Georgia Theatre Rooftop after Beach House. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Admission is FREE. 21+ to enter.
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