On Air, the latest original EP from Mahto & The Loose Balloons, is a stirring testament to the enduring charm of live performance. Released on February 27, 2026, the project embraces the tradition of classic live albums while carving out its own niche, limiting itself entirely to radio sessions. Recorded across appearances with JP Parson on Radio Bristol 100.1’s Appalachian Travels, Tea Wimmer during WMMT 88.7’s fund drive, and Kevin Edwards on WEHC & WISE 90.7’s Appalachian Artist Live, the EP thrives on immediacy. There are no second takes, no studio polish just the raw electricity of musicians stepping up to a microphone and trusting the moment.
Fronted by primary songwriter Mahto Addison-Browder on guitar, piano, and vocals, the ensemble features Will Diebold on bass, Niko Graham on drums, Ella Patrick on fiddle, and Travis F. Welch on guitar. Together, they deliver eight tracks “Systemic,” “Buzzard,” “Onions,” “Virginia Side,” “Lockbox,” “Archipelago,” “Waiting Room Blues,” and “Sandblasted” that feel both intimate and expansive. The minimal mic setups heighten the sense of space, allowing each instrument to breathe while preserving the nervous thrill of live broadcast, where the possibility of reaching “hundreds of thousands” lingers in the air.
“Onions” stands out as the EP’s emotional and historical anchor. It marks the song’s first official recording, transforming a seemingly whimsical tune into a poignant, true-to-life reflection of family lore. Equally compelling is “Virginia Side,” reimagined here with Ella Patrick also known as Momma Molasses, who joined spontaneously despite not knowing the song beforehand. That sense of risk becomes the track’s magic, underscoring the band’s trust and chemistry.
What makes On Air significant is its snapshot quality. These recordings capture songs in motion, bridging past releases like 2025’s Knock Knock It’s The Loose Balloons and hinting at what lies ahead. It’s a collection rooted in Americana and folk traditions, yet driven by a restless desire to surprise unsuspecting listeners, perhaps even those stuck in traffic, who stumble upon something beautifully unfiltered.
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