In the wake of the pandemic, when many musicians were struggling to find their footing, a serendipitous opportunity led to the formation of Eureka Shoes. Their debut album, Beautalina, set for release on October 4th via Adhyâropa Records, is a testament to the power of musical friendship and collaboration.

The band's origin story reads like a folk music fairy tale. Charlie Burnham, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist known for his work with Cassandra Wilson and James "Blood" Ulmer, received a recording fellowship at Looking Glass Arts in upstate New York. He invited songwriter Jean Rohe and folk-pop artist Skye Soto Steele to join him, kickstarting a three-month creative journey that would birth not just an album, but a full-fledged band.

Beautalina showcases the trio's seamless vocal harmonies and intricate acoustic arrangements. The album's sound is reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and CSNY, with a dash of jazz spontaneity thrown in for good measure. It's the kind of record that makes you feel like you're sitting in on an intimate jam session among friends.

The first single, "I Wanna Be," penned by Rohe, is available now and serves as a perfect introduction to the band's style. It's a breezy tune that unfolds into a complex, contrapuntal chorus, demonstrating the group's knack for blending accessible melodies with sophisticated musicianship.

Eureka Shoes isn't just about the core trio, though. The addition of bassist Rashaan Carter, initially brought in as the studio's in-house engineer, completed the ensemble in an unexpected way. As Burnham quips, "Rashaan is really the laces on the shoe."

For fans of acoustic music with a twist, Beautalina is a reminder that even in challenging times, music has the power to bring people together and create something beautiful.

Tracks: Don’t Ask; I Wanna Be; How Long; Keep Walking Walkers; Go Easy; Everyone Is Dying; Beulah Land; Liberty Bar; Moonlight; Say Goodbye; Barn Hymn

Performers: Jean Rohe (vocals, guitar); Skye Soto Steele (vocals, fiddle, guitar); Charlie Burnham (vocals, fiddle, mandola); Rashaan Carter (bass); Marika Hughes (cello, vocals); Kyle Sanna (guitar); Willa Folmar (vocals)

Try on Eureka Shoes on Bandcamp.

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