“The synergy between them makes you want to be a part of the party.” - Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways
Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson of songwriter duo The Montvales spent much of their formative years busking amidst the Elvis impersonators and musical saw players of the town’s Market Square, honing their uniquely boisterous harmonies and driving, joyful sound. Eventually they graduated to playing indoors on the local Americana radio station, WDVX, and found community in old-time circles around town. A local fiddler’s dairy cows were among the first intrepid listeners of their early DIY recordings. After moving away for several years to seek their fortunes separately, Molly and Sally finally reunited in 2019 to write and record their first album, Heartbreak Summer Camp. The two now make their home in Cincinnati, OH, spending their days touring extensively and crafting intimate, storytelling-driven songs that explore the joys and perils of self-determination. Their new album, Born Strangers, is produced by Mike Eli LoPinto (producer and co-writer of Emily Nenni’s “On the Ranch”, guitarist for Chris Stapleton) and recorded in Sean Sullivan’s Tractor Shed Studio in Nashville. Tracks from the album have been featured by The Bluegrass Situation, Holler., The American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Standard, Twangville, and more. The twelve songs careen recklessly across the whole folk-country spectrum, showcasing The Montvales’ distinctive harmonies and building a sonic world just expansive and surprising enough to hold the wide-eyed existentialism of the stories and questions raised by the lyrics. Born Strangers, produced by Contrary Western and premiered by Glide Magazine
Lou, produced by Contrary Western and premiered by The Bluegrass Situation
The Montvales live at Toledo Spirits for the Over Yonder House Concert series
Photo by Suzi Kern
Opening for The Tillers in at The Southgate House Revival in Newport, KY 1/28/23
Photo by Katrina Flynn
Press
“Addressing issues ranging from self-determination to money, (Born Strangers) is also infused with opinions on gender. According to both performers, music allows each to express deeply-held beliefs – such as thoughts on reproductive freedom – in a way they believe might be more unrestrained and effective than what other communication methods might allow. This freedom to express a range of beliefs – popular, unpopular, controversial, mundane, weird, hyper-personal, or anything in between – lures many to make a life of music. The power of this isn’t lost on The Montvales…It’s something some of their musical heroes understood well, acts such as The Indigo Girls and The Chicks. The Montvales clearly aim to be just as forthright.”
—The Bluegrass Standard
“I deeply appreciate message-driven music that doesn’t hit you over the head with its message but rather lures you in with listenability, letting the impact of the lyrics build subtly. Born Strangers is a masterclass in this technique. The first track, “Woman of God,” lets you know this won’t be an empty-headed affair or a collection of well-trodden cliches…Every one of the 12 songs on Born Strangers manages to sound distinct while contributing to an effortlessly cohesive feel. The Montvales have created a gorgeous, thoughtful album that contains enough unique instrumental elements and intriguing lyrics to yield more meaning and enjoyment from every replay.”
—Adventures in Americana
“Subtle, beautiful observations and a blast of activism.”
—Americana UK
"The record is seemingly full of potential singles and standouts that seem poised for radio play, accompanying scenes on movie screensr ringing out through large venues and beyond." "...soaring harmonies, raw emotional delivery and peaks of life-lived heartbreak and enthusiasm.”