Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Chris Eckman not only had a critically acclaimed career as composer/bandleader of The Walkabouts, he also has a quarter century of strong solo work to his name. On his latest LP The Land We Knew The Best he takes us to the beautiful mountains, valleys and forests of Slovenia. In eight subdued, drawn-out songs—atmospheric indie folk meets emotional roots rock—we follow a treasure map through a textured landscape, with heartfelt stories of memory and place, of home and solace. “Finally learned to let things end // And to stir them up again” we hear in lead single Town Lights Fade. Just as majestic as the nature over there.
The Land We Knew The Best, produced and mixed by Alastair McNeill, is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Glitterhouse Records. Also featuring Žiga Golob (contrabass on all songs), and Alastair McNeill (guitars, percussion, cello, organ), Blaž Celarec (drums, percussion), Jana Beltran (vocals, piano), Ana Kravanja (viola, water bowls, vocals), Urška Preis (harp, harp drones / sound effects), Catherine Graindorge (violin, viola), Rok Zalokar (piano), Andraž Mazi (pedal steel) and Boštjan Simon (sax) on select tracks.