The Orchard

Formed by members of the critically acclaimed acoustic ensemble Cerberus Shoal, the debut release by the Portland, Maine collective is a striking masterpiece of dark, progressive bluegrass. Utilizing only acoustic instrumentation—upright bass, mandolin, accordion, and banjo—the group relies on dense, soaring vocal harmonies to convey themes of mortality and existential longing. Released on Michael Gira's label, it stands as a hidden gem of the freak-folk era.