Path of Totality is the new album by The Montvales, a Cincinnati-based folk duo consisting of longtime
friends Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson, released in 2026 on Free Dirt Records as a
vinyl LP. Conceived under eclipsed skies, it weaves together the vast American diaspora into a collective cosmic tapestry, drawing
inspiration from the tradition of radical
country and folk artists. The duo, who cut their teeth busking as teens on Market Square in Knoxville, Tennessee, infuses their passion for literature and storytelling into this left-of-center indie
country record, produced by Eli LoPinto known for his work with
Chris Stapleton. Opting for a bigger sound, the album boldly confronts political strife and catastrophe through 12 introspective, thematically and sonically layered tracks that chart a transformative pilgrimage across an interconnected world.The record unites listeners with vivid archetypes grappling with urgent realities, reckoning with the global fever pitch while harnessing the power to bring people together. Its folk genre roots shine through in narratives that explore desperation, devotion, and defiance, creating a bonafide sound that does not shy away from weighty themes but instead transforms them into a unifying force. This ambitious project stands as a
testament to the duo's evolution, blending introspection with cosmic scope for a resonant listening experience.
