It’s a serious challenge to find a song that balances the delicate concepts of serenity and emotional release, though that balance may be established through Little Chief’s “Mountain Song”. I often relate it’s interesting sense of placid venting to the simple act of laying down after a long day, as it flows so naturally and carries such a warm feeling, yet suddenly takes a lot of energy out of you. Little Chief has made a living off of such emotional plays during their short existence, as many of the songs in the repertoire beg listeners to learn the words as fast as possible so they can join in on the choir of palpably joyous young spirits. Midwestern America seems to pump out a hefty amount of these no-name treasures with immense potential, as Fayetteville, Arkansas’s Little Chief currently stands in a similar position to where bands like The Head and The Heart, Matthew and the Atlas, and Freelance Whales stood 5-8 years ago: patiently waiting to be noticed by a distracted music industry.

The song’s aptly named title represents several aspects of it’s inner workings in a multi-faceted, thought-provoking progression of sound. On the surface, the song sounds like a nightly powwow atop a secluded peak where friends sing over a relaxing cliche campfire. Delving deeper, the song is structured like a mountain as well. The incline isn’t arduous, but it’s steady and requires attention nonetheless. There are minor breaks and plateaus scattered throughout, but towards the end you still feel like you’ve drained a chunk of energy accomplishing something along the immersive expedition.