Stella Kola - Stella Kola (2023)

The eponymous debut from Stella Kola is a curveball from an already-unpredictable roster of underground U.S. musicians who are as provincial — in this case, the weird grottos and orchards of Massachusetts — as they are inscrutable. Led by Robert Thomas (Sunburned Hand of the Man) and Beverly Ketch (Bunwinkies) the album opens with "Rosa," a ballad that digs deep into the psychedelic-folk tradition until it takes root in a freshly sporous permaculture.

Glancing at the collected dozen-strong guest players — culled from bands including Tower Recordings, Wet Tuna, Six Organs of Admittance, Weeping Bong Band, Pigeons and similar ilk — one might expect a brutal blast of acid swirl. Instead, "Rosa" is a delicate thing, a mythical story-song that is tenderly brought to life with acoustic guitars, woodwinds and strings delivered through the musicians' casual proficiency. The masterful restraint of "Rosa" and the rest of Stella Kola's shimmering debut evokes Anne Briggs, C.O.B., Pentangle and similar ancestors that knew the best way to honor traditions was to widen the heritage even further.

Beverly Ketch - vocals & lyrics
Robert Thomas - acoustic guitar, percussion
Jeremy Pisani - nylon string guitar, synths
Wednesday Knudsen - flute, saxophone, vocals, piano
P.G. Six - 6 & 12 string guitar, Celtic harp, synths, organs, keys, slide
Jen Gelineau - viola & violin
Jim Bliss - bass
Willie Lane - electric guitar
Gary War - synth, synth bass
Noah Bond - drums
L. Gray - acoustic & electric guitar

Tracklist:
1.01 - Stella Kola - Rosa (2:54)
1.02 - Stella Kola - First Fret (3:10)
1.03 - Stella Kola - Epiphany (1:37)
1.04 - Stella Kola - Set Out Too Soon (2:19)
1.05 - Stella Kola - Free Afternoon (2:56)
1.06 - Stella Kola - November (2:55)
1.07 - Stella Kola - Summer Night (2:14)
1.08 - Stella Kola - The Air We Breathe (4:25)
1.09 - Stella Kola - Tarot Song (2:09)
1.10 - Stella Kola - Heart in the Rain (2:52)
1.11 - Stella Kola - Fair Youth & Dark Lady (3:21)
1.12 - Stella Kola - Wednesday (3:15)
1.13 - Stella Kola - Being is a Beggar's Blessing (3:18)
1.14 - Stella Kola - Live Your Lie (1:47)