A refreshing wave of introspective reflection and sonic exploration, upstate New York outfit The Mountain Carol present their debut album Starkiller and the Banshees today. Blending atmospheric electro-pop and avant-indie rock elements, the band defies a single genre, and bring together an impressive fusion of sounds. PopMatters, who premiered the album, described them as, "offering a consistently intriguing hodge-podge of charming stylistic fusions that cement the trio as equal parts imaginative, go-getting, and skilled." Released via Third Eye Industries, the album provides a decadent and enlightening journey for each listener to explore.

"At this point in our lives, influences cross-pollinate freely and change rapidly. Influences may also be channeled in an oblique way so that you would never suspect the origin of certain artistic decisions," shared guitarist Austtin Petrashune, on the development of the album. With each member bringing their own preferences, history and interpretation to the process, the band's songwriting process remains open and unhindered. "The resulting combination of hidden influences makes the songs greater and keeps the group unspoiled by the limitations of our original influences." The band cites their proximity and closeness to nature as another key element to their sound; disconnecting from media, culture, and technology, to simply be in solitude, reflecting and experiencing the natural world. "Picture music barreling down from a high, snowy peak: isn’t that special? That’s where it all comes from. We just reveal the music of the future that has always existed."

Singles "Dino" and "Sway" were both accompanied by narrative music videos on their releases, and the band has more to come, with a visual to accompany each track off the Starkiller and the Banshees. Each video provides a tease of a story, drawing you deeper into the music and mystery. Indulging in the chase, the band has given little direction as to the larger image of where they may lead. Prompting each to take their own interpretation, The Mountain Carol seek to awaken and guide from the slumber of modern life.

Starkiller and the Banshees was recorded with engineer Jamse Ward at Wayward Sound Studio in Plattsburgh, NY and was released under Third Eye Industries. It is available for stream and purchase everywhere today, including Spotify, Apple Music, and physical and digital formats on Bandcamp. With an impressively striking debut, The Mountain Carol have promised that they're just getting started. Fans can catch exclusive content, additional material, and more through the band's subscription fan-club The Divine Council. The Mountain Carol celebrate with a release show tonight at Monopole Bar in Plattsburgh, NY.