Two tunes that absolutely stole my heart this year came courtesy of Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard, a rotating cast of collaborators and kindred spirits based in the Netherlands. Led by the wonderfully gifted Joseph Turner, the two songs in question are Travelin' Heart and The Shadow Remains - both distinct in their own way, yet equally exceptional in their own right.
Since then, the outfit has released two more singles: Backbone and Missouri. Now, while I implore you to listen to the former, today it's the latter I am honoured to introduce to you.
Whiskey-soaked and southern-tinged, Missouri takes the shape of a dark Americana and country ramble with a slow, heavy groove. Through pedal steel, harmonica, bluesy guitar work, and Joseph's gravelly, weathered vocals, the track digs into what it means to carry loss without any easy answers.
"Missouri comes from a personal place," admits the tune's creator. "Losing people early in life can change the way you look at the world…and leave you trying to find your feet again."
Near the three-minute mark of Missouri, the track shifts gears. The thing is, I don't want to give too much away. Let's just say it opens up completely - and shows off just how special this act really is.
Follow Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard on Instagram
