Cheek Mountain Thief (album)

Cheek Mountain Thief is the debut album by the experimental rock band of the same name, released in 2018. The album is characterized by its blend of noise rock, free improvisation, and elements of Appalachian folk music. It features unconventional instrumentation, including prepared guitar, banjo, theremin, and found sound percussion.

Thematically, Cheek Mountain Thief explores themes of rural decay, economic hardship, and the clash between tradition and modernity in the Appalachian region. Critics have noted the album's unsettling atmosphere and its challenging, yet rewarding, listening experience. It has been described as a sound collage that evokes both the beauty and the harsh realities of its subject matter.

The album's title, Cheek Mountain Thief, is derived from a local legend associated with the Appalachian mountain range, referring to a mythical figure who roams the hills, stealing whispers and secrets. The band chose the name to reflect the album's intention to capture and interpret the hidden stories and forgotten voices of the region.