elkhorn
Elkhorn & Mike Gangloff
Released on VHF Records February 9, 2024
Delicate and beautiful music from the combined forces of the recently ubiquitous East-Coast psychedelic combo Elkhorn and Pelt’s Mike Gangloff, laying down two epic raga-like performances captured on a 2022 collaborative tour. Gangloff - fresh from the triumph of his VHF solo fiddle LP “Evening Measures” - has found a distinct instrumental voice, blending drone music and trad influences in a way that really advances the tradition into new areas. “East Dauphin Suite” builds patiently on the interlocking acoustic guitars of the Elkhorn duo, with Gangloff’s hardanger fiddle carrying the melody over the top. The sound is a neat riff on American primitive, with just enough Appalachian-style touches via Gangloff’s careful glissandos cutting through the Vuh-type chords and patterns to create a unique and supremely melodic hybrid. “Summerfield Raga” takes things further out, with more microtonal variation in the embroidery, with assertive bowing and an increased energy level. Pressed in Chicago and housed in an amazing jacket by Jake Blanchard.
Mike Gangloff - Hardanger-style fiddle
Drew Gardner - 6 String Acoustic Guitar
Jesse Sheppard - 12 String Acoustic Guitar
Recorded live on July 10, 2022 at 2223 Fish, Philadelphia
Art & Design: Jake Blanchard
Recording & Mix: Drew Gardner
Mastering: Harris Newman