Mt. Desolation

Mt. Desolation is a prominent British alt-country collective formed in 2010 by Tim Rice-Oxley and Jesse Quin of the band Keane.

Conceived as a side project during a tour in Ireland, the group serves as a creative outlet for exploring Americana and roots-rock influences that differ from Keane's piano-pop core. The project is notable for its 'supergroup' nature, frequently involving members of Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Noah and the Whale, and The Staves. Their sound identity is defined by a blend of traditional country instrumentation - specifically pedal steel, fiddle, and banjo - with the melodic sophistication of British indie-rock. Their 2010 self-titled debut was a critical success, aligning them with the burgeoning UK folk-rock scene of the era. After an eight-year hiatus, they returned with 'When the Night Calls' in 2018, which showcased a more mature, slightly darker exploration of the same themes. Critically, they are praised for their sincerity and the high caliber of their arrangements, avoiding the 'tourist' pitfalls of many cross-genre side projects by focusing on strong songwriting and authentic collaborative dynamics.