Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek has readied his third solo album, Haunted Mountain. The complete LP arrives August 25th via the artist’s new label home 4AD, while its title track is out now.
Produced by Meek’s resident pedal steel player Mat Davidson, Haunted Mountain was recorded live in two weeks at Sonic Ranch outside El Paso, Texas. Despite this raw approach, Buck Meek and Davidson aimed to create a considerably more polished record than their previous releases. Guitarist Adam Brisbin, drummer Austin Vaughn, bassist Ken Woodward, and keyboardist (and Buck’s brother) Dylan Meek joined the artists in playing in one big room, where cell phones, headphones, and even talking were prohibited.
Thematically, the new album is an exercise in love songs, a difficult feat, according to Buck Meek. “Not break-up songs, but an actual love song written in earnest? That is taboo now,” the artist said in a statement. “Sometimes it can feel like all the great love songs have already been written.”
“Haunted Mountain” nails that earnest, wholesome factor as the folk singer likens his love to a golden cloud in darkness over a cheery, twangy beat. Buck Meek co-wrote the song with Jolie Holland, and said of the track, “It’s about being humbled by the thing you’re drawing power from only at which point an actual, fair relationship begins.” Watch the single’s Riley Engemoen-directed music video below.
Pre-orders for Haunted Mountain are ongoing. The LP follows 2021’s Two Saviors and 2018’s Buck Meek.
In August, Buck Meek will kick off a string of European tour dates that are followed by a one-off show in New York City. See his full tour itinerary below, and grab tickets via StubHub, where orders are 100% guaranteed via StubHub’s FanProtect Program.
Haunted Mountain Artwork:
Haunted Mountain Tracklist:
01. Mood Ring
02. Haunted Mountain
03. Paradise
04. Cyclades
05. Secret Side
06. Didn’t Know You Then
07. Undae Dunes
08. Where You’re Coming From
09. Lullabies
10. Lagrimas
11. The Rainbow
Buck Meek 2023 Tour Dates:
08/18 — Brecon Beacons, UK @ Green Man Festival
08/19 — Oslo, NO @ Langs 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 @ Into the Great 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