Mount Moriah

Mount Moriah is a pivotal Americana ensemble from Durham, North Carolina, formed by Heather McEntire and Jenks Miller. The project represents a significant stylistic pivot for both members; McEntire previously fronted the post-punk outfit Bellafea, while Miller is known for the heavy, avant-garde metal project Horseback.

This background infuses their folk-rock sound with a rhythmic urgency and textural depth rarely found in traditional country-adjacent music. Their sound identity is defined by McEntire’s 'high lonesome' vocal delivery, which draws from gospel and classic country traditions, and Miller’s atmospheric, tremolo-laden guitar work. Signed to Merge Records for their most prominent releases, they became central figures in the 2010s North Carolina music scene. Critically, they are lauded for navigating the tensions between queer identity, Southern heritage, and religious upbringing. Their work is often categorized alongside the 'New South' movement, blending traditional instrumentation with progressive lyrical perspectives. They influenced a wave of indie-folk artists who prioritize sonic texture and complex thematic exploration over simple acoustic arrangements.