Blind Pilot Remerges with New Album ‘In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain
After a significant hiatus, the indie band Blind Pilot returns with their transformative new album, In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain, set for release on 16th August through ATO Records. This album marks Blind Pilot’s first release since 2016 and showcases a fresh and evolved sound that delves into the complex emotions and experiences of frontman Israel Nebeker. NPR Music praised the band’s “elegant, thoughtful reflections,” and this new collection of eleven songs is a testament to their growth and renewed creative energy.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
The creation of In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain follows a personal journey for Nebeker, both geographically and spiritually. He embarked on a path to reclaim his voice as a songwriter, motivated by a struggle with self-identity and expectations. “I was struggling with a lot of fear surrounding expectations of who I was supposed to be,” he admits. “I’d lost my path with music.” This soul-searching led him to Scandinavia, where he reconnected with his family’s roots in the Sámi community. It was during a profound drum ceremony that Nebeker experienced visions of his ancestors, sparking a creative rebirth.
Further inspiration struck when Nebeker and Blind Pilot co-founder Ryan Dobrowski were invited to perform in Mexico City by a humanitarian group aiding migrants. Conversations with the group inspired Nebeker to explore themes of ownership and belonging in his songwriting. This experience resulted in the song that helped him overcome a long writer’s block. Within a month, the material for In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain began to flow, culminating in the band’s first new album in eight years.
A Creative Reunion
Back in Astoria, Oregon, Blind Pilot reunited with bassist Luke Ydstie and multi-instrumentalist Kati Claborn to bring their vision to life. The band collaborated with producer Josh Kaufman, known for his work with The National and The War On Drugs, at a unique recording studio in a 19th-century church in upstate New York. The sessions for In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain were described as the most liberating of the band’s career, allowing them to capture a sense of authenticity and spontaneity. Nebeker describes the process as creating a genuine connection, “like an overly Photoshopped picture of someone you love.” This joyful atmosphere is evident throughout the album, which balances moments of celebration and introspection.
A Legacy of Connection
The chemistry of Blind Pilot’s live performances, honed over years of touring with artists like The Shins, Andrew Bird, and Gregory Alan Isakov, is a driving force behind the energy of the album. Their presence on major festival stages such as Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo has further solidified their reputation for captivating audiences. Blind Pilot will embark on a North American tour to promote In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain, beginning with a series of intimate shows this summer at iconic venues like Los Angeles’ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever and New York’s Sultan Room. Fans will have the opportunity to experience new material from the album live, marking the band’s first release since And Then Like Lions in 2016.
Critical Acclaim
Blind Pilot’s return has been met with anticipation and critical acclaim. The Wall Street Journal described their music as reminiscent of Lou Reed’s Magic and Loss and Arcade Fire’s Funeral, placing them in excellent company. The band’s journey of transformation and growth shines through in In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain, making it a must-listen for fans old and new.
In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain Tracklist:
- Jacaranda
- Brave
- Pocket Knife
- Don’t You Know
- Just A Bird
- Coming Back
- Faces of Light
- One Drop
- Lucky
- Bitter Water
- Same Thing
