Discovering fresh acoustic music always feels rewarding, especially when an artist completely avoids all the usual industry gloss. Mt. Kili is the creative outlet for Asheville singer-songwriter Rick Sichta. What began as simple bedroom recordings meant for his twin daughters has evolved into a genuinely captivating ten-track record titled The Noticer.
For this ten-track release, Sichta teamed up with drummer Matt Shepard and singer-violinist Laney Barnett at Echo Mountain Studio. Bringing those intimate, acoustic ideas into a proper studio environment gave the songs plenty of room to breathe while keeping their raw edge intact. The arrangements shift fluidly between sparse classical guitar picking and rich full-band swells that add genuine depth to the storytelling.
Take a track like “Kyle”, which serves as a deeply affecting memorial for a friend gone too soon and makes you want to hear the whole project, and then you have “The Weather Report”, utilizing everyday climate shifts as a clever mirror for personal reflection. My absolute favorite is “Her Song”, and “All in Good Time” wraps things up with a patient, hopeful message; the entire listening experience feels completely earned and satisfying.
The production stays clean and warm, letting every fingerpicked note ring out clearly across your headphones or living room speakers. There is zero industry fluff here, just honest craftsmanship from people who genuinely care about the songs they are making. If you enjoy thoughtful folk music that respects your intelligence, give this record a proper spin on a quiet afternoon.
Head over to Instagram and give the band a follow so you do not miss what they do next.
Follow Mt. Kili: Instagram – Spotify
