Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek preparing his third solo album, Haunted Mountain. The full LP arrives on August 25 via the artist’s new home label 4AD, while its title track is out now.
Produced by Meek’s resident pedal steel player Mat Davidson, Haunted Mountain recorded live over two weeks at the Sonic Ranch outside of El Paso, Texas. Despite this raw approach, Buck Meek and Davidson intend to create a record that’s more intense than their previous releases. Guitarist Adam Brisbin, drummer Austin Vaughn, bassist Ken Woodward, and keyboardist (and Buck’s brother) Dylan Meek joined the artists to play in a large room, where the Cell phones, headphones, and even talking are prohibited.
Thematically, the new album is an exercise in love songs, a difficult task, according to Buck Meek. “Not break-up songs, but an actual love song written in a sincere way? That is taboo now,” said the artist in a statement. “Sometimes it feels like all the great love songs have been written.”
“Haunted Mountain” nails an upbeat, feel-good factor as the folk singer likens her love to a golden cloud in the dark over a happy, upbeat beat. Buck Meek co-wrote the song with Jolie Holland, and said of the track, “It’s about letting go of the thing that you’ve got power over where a real, honest relationship starts.” Watch the single’s Riley Engemoen-directed music video below.
Pre-orders with Haunted Mountain continues. LP follows 2021’s Two Saviors and 2018 Buck Meek.
In August, Buck Meek will embark on a string of European tour dates followed by a one-off show in New York City. Check out his full tour itinerary below, and get tickets via StubHubwhere orders are 100% guaranteed through StubHub’s FanProtect Program.
Haunted Mountain Artwork:
Haunted Mountain Tracklist:
01. Mood Ring
02. Haunted Mountain
03. Paradise
04. Cyclades
05. Secret Part
06. You Didn’t Know Then
07. Dunes Waves
08. Where Are You From
09. Lullabies
10. Tears
11. The Rainbow
Buck Meek 2023 Tour Dates:
08/18 — Brecon Beacons, UK @ Green Man Festival
08/19 — Oslo, NOT @ Along with Akerselva
08/21 — Copenhagen, DK @ Stengade
08/22 — Berlin, DE @ Kantine am Berghain
08/23 — Groningen, NL @ Noorderzon Festival
08/26 — Edinburgh, UK @ Summerhall
08/27 — Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
08/28 — Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
08/29 — Manchester, UK @ YES
08/30- – London, UK @ Lafayette
09/01 — Brussels, BE @ Botanique
09/03 — Vlieland, NL @ To the Big Wide Open Festival
09/05 — Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso | Tolhuistuin
09/06 — Paris, FR @ Le Hasard Ludique
09/12 — Milan, IT @ Magnolia Segrate *
09/13 — Turin, IT @ Spazio211 *
09/14 — Nyon, CH @ La Paranthese*
09/16 — Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv Club *
10/27 — New York, NY @ Racket
* = solo