Self-released 

***** 

Like a modern-day Walt Whitman, Mike Thomas has captured the essence of his beloved Appalachian homeland, where the testifying babble of the preacher competes with the hard scrabble of battling the forces of nature. Like Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark and John Prine, he has a knack for telling poetic stories in songs about the sad, ironic, and devastating ups and downs of our lives. With ECHOES he showcases his evocative and honest storytelling like never before. Inspired by the devastation caused by hurricane Helene, this is a deeply felt concept record, mainly centred around East Tennessee, where Mike was born and grew up. He’s lived in Nashville for the past twenty-odd years, but by going back to his roots, and witnessing the storm destruction first-hand, he has taken a huge step forward, much like the bravest of us who dare to venture out of our comfort zones and then return home with a stronger sense of self, having faced the new and unknown with audacity. A glorious mash-up of Americana, Appalachian-folk, country, rock and occasional gospel vibes, with an indie production and song structure and sound, is made even better by Mike’s trademark lyrical depth. 

The album has been described as ‘cinematic’ and whenever ‘cinematic’ is used to describe a piece of music, more often than not, it’s because of the dramatic tenor of a string section. Yes, ECHOES does have a cinematic quality to it, but not because of the instrumentation. This record is cinematic because of how dynamic it is. It’s like watching a movie, one that will become a favourite from the first time and have you engrossed with every twist and turn. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. In many ways, ECHOES is a protest album; a revival of resistance against a sea of troubles as the songs raise the plight of lives turned upside down by the uncontrollable rush of flood waters. Mike has fomented a compelling, caustic fury that is as artistically impressive as it is unwavering. He makes stellar use of gospel inflections, ghostly gothic atmosphere, hook-y guitars, and traditional instrumentation to illustrate his stories of heartbreak, death, and resilience. By the time ECHOES lands on its final song, we’ve met richly drawn characters, seen deepest human feelings set to music, and stood in awe of nature and community—little pictures each worth far more than a thousand words.  

Opening with the haunting fiddle notes of Hell In High Water, the album feels perfectly introduced as a piece of serious work, as Mike Thomas sets the tone with a stringent country-soul vibe and rootsy production. A life-changing song and the catalyst for the whole album, this is a showcase for his keen ability to pen a song of frank honesty with more than a touch of self-righteous anger. He takes a story of heartbreak and loss and makes it sound like we should all be so lucky not to have experienced these floodwaters. He then goes on to take the listener through the aftermath of the life-changing disaster with the echoes of the Smoky Mountains rising boldly in every note. The sombre Undertow is a wholly heartbreaking narrative. A quiet, introspective ballad that negotiates the loss and despair of losing, not only a home, but also loved ones. He takes goth-folk to the darkest depths of hopelessness with a haunting steel and flowing electric guitar melody and dark atmosphere to render these moments of crisis whilst trying to come to terms and move on from the personal after-effects of the hurricane. Cold River Runnin’ the final song in the trilogy of songs dealing directly with the hurricane, is powered by clanging electric guitar and swirling organ as Mike and his versatile band indulge in their arena-rock side. Full of grit, gravel and guitars, this is rough and ready, but its real rock’n’roll, and it’s glorious. With an influential voice that delivers clear and concise visions of dynamic musical deliverance in an ongoing battle against all the odds. His character tries to overcome the unimaginable loss with the discovery that it’s impossible to leave the memories and what is left of his homeplace behind. Mike’s soaring voice really takes it to the next level as the band knows exactly what twisting path it’s leading him down; right there, side-by-side, hiding, crying, cursing, chasing and testifying.

The title song pays tribute to the enduring spirit of Appalachia. Fuelled by strumming acoustic guitars, banjo and fiddle, wistfully exploring the hollers and mountains, recalling the generations that have contributed to the spirit that ties the people and the landscape so intrinsically together. The theme continues with Stop The World, a melodically delightful song of escapism to a backwoods cabin away from all the rat-race. The immediate wash of pedal steel guitar bathes you in twangy comfort as his easy-going vocal soaks up around you … gentle and swooning. He takes it a step further with Tailwaters, and the freedom that comes from a father-and-son’s day of fishing. His harmonica blends with his vocal style, that’s equally effusive, one that has him sounding like a vintage back porch balladeer, offering timely advice that there is light after the darkness. There’s more healing and new beginnings to be found in such songs as Porch Weather, A Woman’s Love and the closing High Mountain Church, all of which are embellished with more traditional trappings in a well-seasoned template. He also includes a stunning version of Malcolm Holcombe’s strident Mountains Of Home, which fits so neatly into the whole set, as if it was specially written for the album.

Mike Thomas isn’t like anyone else, and ECHOES is not cut from the same cloth as other albums. He is a tough artist to peg, as his original songs are as likely to be arranged for a bluegrass band as given a dynamic rock treatment. He is one of those artists that people gravitate to. He is authentic and true which remains admirable in today’s world of trends and gimmicks. His long-time bandmate and producer, Tres Sasser, has provided a free-flowing energy that comes with working on a personal project that you don’t just love, but are passionately committed to. And if artistic excellence is marked by perpetual evolution, a nagging insistence to challenge assumptions and an obsession with resisting stasis at all costs—all while delivering a blistering statement—then ECHOES may be their best collaborative effort so far; a superb testament to the sterling musicianship and Mike Thomas’ ingenious songwriting. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard so far this year. 

https://www.mikethomasband.com

September 2026