Magic Tuber Stringband Announces Latest Album, *Heavy Water*, Inspired by Ecological Concerns

Magic Tuber Stringband, known for their experimental approach to Appalachian folk music, is set to release their new album, Heavy Water, on May 22nd via Thrill Jockey. The record delves into the environmental and social impact of the Savannah River Site, a nuclear arms plant in rural South Carolina.

From Ecological Study to Musical Evocation

The inspiration for Heavy Water stems from fiddler Courtney Werner’s work as an ecologist at the Savannah River Site. Werner’s experiences observing the landscape and its history informed the album’s themes of destruction and resilience. The album addresses the displacement of the town of Ellenton, South Carolina, in 1952 to produce way for the plant, which produced radioactive materials for nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

According to Werner, the site of Ellenton was specifically used for the extraction of heavy water – a substance chemically altered to be denser than normal water, requiring significant resources to produce. “It requires 52 gallons of river water for one fluid ounce,” Werner explained. The process, fueled by coal, has left a lasting impact on the surrounding environment, including a plume of toxic coal ash covering the river floodplain.

Expanding the Ensemble and Sound

Heavy Water features the core duo of Courtney Werner on fiddle and Evan Morgan on 12-string guitar, now expanded with bassist/banjoist Mike DeVito. The album also incorporates tape loops by Oliver Child-Lanning and field recordings by Jasper Lee, adding layers of texture and depth to their sound.

A Broader Critique of Appalachian Representation

The band’s approach extends beyond a simple recounting of historical events. They are interested in challenging the romanticized depictions of Appalachia and the rural South and instead focusing on the realities of degradation and exploitation often overlooked in the preservation of folk traditions. They express concern for the loss of communities connected to the land and the resulting contamination that prevents a lasting relationship with the environment.

Tracklist

• “The Death Of Ellenton”
• “Marker Of A Drowning”
• “Sound Of A Million Stars”
• “Woodpeckers”
• “Scintillation”
• “Blooms In The Rapids”
• “Tribute To The Angels”
• “Where The Place Becomes Forgetting”
• “Wintering Grounds”
• “Soft And Pliable”
• “Dog-Headed Man”

Heavy Water is available for pre-order on Thrill Jockey’s website. The lead single, “Tribute To The Angels,” is available now.