Critter Country at Its Finest: Meels Navigates the Heartland on Across The Raccoon Strait
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a songwriter finds beauty in the mundane—the sort of artist who can turn a bug on a windshield or a rogue thought into a profound meditation on existence. Meels (born Amelia Einhorn) is exactly that kind of alchemist. Following the breakout success of her debut EP, Tales from a Bird’s Bedroom, the Mill Valley native has made the leap to the legendary Lost Highway Records. Her label debut, Across The Raccoon Strait, arriving January 30, 2026, is a triumphant expansion of her “Critter Country” sound: a blend of folk, bluegrass, and whimsical honesty that feels both antique and strikingly fresh.
Produced alongside collaborators Peter Groenwald (Hush Kids) and Mark Campbell, the seven-track project is a vivid, lived-in world. It’s a record that smells like California redwoods and sounds like a Nashville pickin’ party, all anchored by Meels’ nimble banjo work and a voice that Holler aptly described as a “country music misfit in the very finest sense.”
Track-by-Track: A Journey Through the Strait
1. Out West The EP opens with a sprawling sense of place. “Out West” serves as a bridge between Meels’ Northern California roots and her Nashville present. It establishes the sonic palette of the record—organic, acoustic-driven, and layered with the kind of “rich sonics” that earned her early praise from Earmilk.
2. Vultures The latest single and a clear standout, “Vultures” is a “toe-tapping” reflection from the open road. Meels’ lyricism shines here, balancing macabre imagery with a startlingly tender heart. When she sings, “Man I’m awful sorry for the fly that I hit on the 5 / I’d be doing jail time / if it’s a crime to be small and alive,” she perfectly encapsulates the empathy that defines her artistry. It’s a driving, bluegrass-inflected anthem for the sensitive traveler.
3. Old Mill Valley A nostalgic centerpiece, this track pays homage to her hometown. Having picked up piano at age five before moving to guitar and banjo, Meels uses “Old Mill Valley” to paint a watercolor portrait of growing up among the trees. It’s a song about the places that make us, delivered with the “expressive vocal lines” that have become her trademark.
4. Willow Song Released in late 2025, “Willow Song” is the EP’s spiritual anchor. It’s an invitation to stillness, urging listeners to find quiet amid the noise. Its accompanying music video is a delightful fever dream of 70s nostalgia, featuring an intro reminiscent of Hee Haw and a set inspired by The Muppet Show (specifically the iconic episode 401 with John Denver). It’s a playful nod to the records she spun on her family turntable as a child.
5. Praise The Sheep In “Praise The Sheep,” Meels leans into her “Critter Country” ethos. It’s a quirky, rhythmic track that showcases her ability to use nature as a metaphor for human connection. The banjo work here is particularly sharp, providing a grounding, percussive backbone to her ethereal vocals.
6. The Wizard Perhaps her most personal work to date, “The Wizard” transforms Meels’ lifelong experience with OCD into a “playful, poetic narrative.” By personifying the disorder as a whimsical wizard, she strips away the stigma and replaces it with curiosity and charm. It’s a masterclass in songwriting—taking a complex internal struggle and making it feel universal and deeply human.
7. Marsha June The EP closes with “Marsha June,” a quiet, resonant track that leaves the listener in a state of peaceful reflection. It’s a “profound story” of a song, echoing the sentiments of Urbanista Magazine that Meels doesn’t just write music—she weaves a “rich sonic tapestry.”
The Verdict
Across The Raccoon Strait is the sound of an artist stepping fully into her power. By signing with Lost Highway—the label that once carried her idols—Meels has found a home that understands her “unique and artistic voice.” This EP isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a sanctuary. Whether she’s opening for Margo Price or joining the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their farewell tour this spring, one thing is certain: the world is finally catching up to the wonder of Meels.