Michael Rank is a singer-songwriter based in Chatham County. His last few records sounded very rootsy, with fiddle and other acoustic instrumentation. Drum machines and electric wah-wah guitar reign in the gritty soul record, Another Love. Rank's new music is being compared to D'Angelo, Prince and Curtis Mayfield.
The song "Be Alright" highlights some sweet falsetto, which Rank uses to great effect throughout this record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7rxOA63xoQ
There's a lot to like about these songs, including Brian Dennis's guitar playing. But the primitive drum machines holding down the rhythm make for a stark sound in the middle of all that instrumental and vocal warmth.
