Athens, Georgia singer/songwriter T. Hardy Morris (founding member of Diamond Rug and former member of the Dead Confederate) follows-up his 2018 release Dude, The Obscure with his third full-length solo collection, The Digital Age of Rome. The 10-track collection is composed of songs that speak to the fragility of a society propped up on greed and materialism while being overloaded with information, technology, and obsessive social media. Morris captured less-than-pleasant parts of humanity displayed during the year-long pandemic lockdown when we spent too much time glued to screens, while ultimately coming away with a better sense of the things in life that are truly important. The Digital Age of Rome was produced by Adam Landry (Deer Tick, Rayland Baxter) and mixed by engineer Nate Nelson, who helped Morris’ transition from the classic rock vibe of past albums to a more contemporary sound that employs instruments like synths and ice pick guitars. The result is an neo-folk/pop album that evokes an ethereal sound that allows more space for richer lyrical interpretation. Standout tracks include: the satirical song “Shopping Center Sunsets”; a reflective song about materialism “New New New…Next Next Next”; “Down and Out”; “Love Takes”; “First World Problems”; and the introspective and steel guitar–tinged “Fake Gold.” While T. Hardy Morris’ The Digital Age of Rome has an overarching melancholic vibe it is also Morris’ most personal and thoughtful record to date. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Dead Confederate, Deer Tick, Diamoond Rug, Gold Star, Middle Brother