Cobourg, Ontario duo Lo & the High Road have released “Salem,” a single inspired by the Salem Witch Trials, ahead of their sophomore album ‘Standing Stones,’ due October 2. Written by Lauren Halász and Colin McMahon, the song incorporates last words attributed to Sarah Good, one of the first women executed during the trials, which Halász said she encountered while researching the period and built the song’s chorus around.
The track marks a stylistic shift for the duo, moving toward indie rock with electric guitar and full drum kit rather than their usual folk arrangements. It was produced by McMahon and features additional vocals from Christine Dando, percussion from Martin Gladman and background vocals from Amanda Weatherall, with cover art by Abbey Spear.
‘Standing Stones’ will include 14 tracks pairing four traditional songs with 10 originals drawing on Greek mythology and historical events, including previously released singles “The Fawn & the Huntress” and “Dance of the Dryads.” Guest contributors on the album include Christine Dando, Jordan Baldwin, Saskia Tomkins and Steáfán Hannigan. According to the announcement, the duo’s 2023 debut ‘Jackalope Tales (& Other Stories)’ has surpassed 2.8 million streams on Spotify, and the band has drawn more than 200,000 fans worldwide. The pair toured Eastern Canada this year and are set to perform at Port Hope’s Cultivate Festival.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.