Dark in Here

Dark in Here is the 20th studio album by The Mountain Goats, released in June 2021. It was recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, though it was released after the more upbeat 'Getting Into Knives'. The album features a distinct sonic shift toward a more atmospheric, jazz-tinged folk sound, characterized by the prominent use of vintage keyboards and a more patient, groove-oriented rhythm section. Critics from AllMusic and Metacritic praised the album for its cohesive mood and the band's evolving musicality, noting that it stands as one of the most atmospheric entries in their vast catalog. It serves as a companion piece to 'Getting Into Knives', but trades that album's bright energy for a brooding, internal focus. The record is notable for its literary and historical references, ranging from the Kola Superdeep Borehole to rock critic Peter Laughner, all filtered through Darnielle's signature character-driven songwriting.