Boston-based, non-binary-led group Tiberius have just issued ‘Troubadour,’ their label debut album, via Audio Antihero (Frog / Avery Friedman / CIAO MALZ / Magana / Josaleigh Pollett).

 

Originally a solo project of Rutland, Vermont’s Brendan Wright (they/them), Tiberius has evolved into a catchy and cacophonous four-piece that blends Indie Punk, Alt Country and Psychedelia with confessional, conversational songwriting to create a sound they’ve jokingly dubbed “Farm Emo.”

 

This sonically layered and eclectic collection offers intensity and heart as well as a warm and rustic flair. Leading singles “Sag” and “Felt” wouldn’t be out of place on a Deep Elm compilation, while songs like “Moab,” “It Has to Be True,” and “Sitting” veer into folksy Alt Country.

 

The sprawling “Redwood” and “Painting of a Tree” are other highlights of the record, ones which see Wright dig into what they call their “meathead influences,” with arrangements that expand and implode.

 

“For most of my life, I defined myself almost completely on who I was in relation to others – my friends, my family, and my relationships. Troubadour was written in a short period of time where these relationships changed significantly, and it felt as if I underwent complete ego death. For months, I felt insane but inevitably found solace in nature and the constant of the trees. For a period, I felt utterly connected to the universe in a way that was completely outside my sense of self. I was everything all at once, and it was one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had. And it was hard. And I think I was lucky enough to capture it in these 10 tracks.” – Brendan Wright