Kristina Stykos and Steve Mayone are a unique musical duo bound by both melody and genealogy. As second cousins from opposite sides of the family, they first joined forces in 2013 to release their critically acclaimed debut, 'Beautiful Blood'. Now, twelve years later, they have reunited to weave their distinct familial chemistry into their highly anticipated sophomore collaboration, 'Child of the Hills'.
Recorded, mixed, and produced by Stykos in Vermont, ‘Child of the Hills’ finds duo made up of Stykos and Mayone share lead vocals, acoustic, and electric guitars. They also showcase an expansive instrumental toolkit featuring lap steel, mandolin, mandola, banjo, tenor ukulele, and bass. Adopted cousin Jeff Berlin adds drums and percussion. Together, they craft a dreamy, rustic soundscape that finds it’s roots deep in Americana, blues and folk.
Stykos and Mayone weave a rich tapestry of songs that wash over the listener like a warm summer day. Highlights include, the brooding and relevant ‘This World Is Broken’, which delivers a critique of our current global state. The opening instrumental, ‘Green Mountain Moonrise’ provides warm introduction to the music the cousins make as they effortlessly blend their instruments with deftness and precision.
Recorded at Pepperbox Studio, an off-grid facility at the base of Vermont’s Mount Abraham, ‘Child of the Hills’ carries a deeply rural essence that shapes its warm, analogue sound.
Those rustic origins come alive in ‘The Woods Road’, ‘Child of the Hills’, and the exceptional ‘Traveler’. The finale, ‘The Story Tree’ wraps hypnotic music in fairy-tale like lyrics to deliver a soothing, lullaby-like finish.
Years in the making, ‘Child of the Hills’ proves that true artistry cannot be rushed. Kristina Stykos and Steve Mayone have crafted a deeply textured, rewarding album that rewards repeated listening.