Micah Madore – “Scenic Side of Skeptical”
Micah Madore – Scenic Side of Skeptical
Micah Madore’s debut EP Scenic Side of Skeptical delivers a rich blend of acoustic songwriting, jazzy sensibilities, and reflective storytelling. Each track carries a calm confidence, driven by warm instrumentation and grounded in deeply personal origins. There’s a timeless quality to these recordings, something that comes from the decision to track most of it live in-studio, embracing spontaneity and nuance rather than chasing perfection. The result is music that breathes and moves with quiet clarity.
Madore’s voice is soothing and unforced, carrying a tone that immediately puts the listener at ease. Whether he’s leaning into a mellow groove or pausing for intimate confession, his delivery never feels detached or performative. There’s a natural honesty here, enhanced by an incredible rhythm section. The basslines, handled by both Mike Richards and Bobby Croft, are a standout, bringing soulful character and subtle propulsion to each track. Guitars shimmer with warmth, alternating between steady acoustic strums and expressive leads that gently weave between folk and jazz textures.
The project was shaped by a small but mighty crew of collaborators: Jake Winebrenner and Jen Lowe contribute drums and percussion, adding groove without crowding the mix. Bobby Croft, who also produced, mixed, and engineered the EP at his studio Casa Croftorius in Florida, rounds out the sound with tasteful additions on baritone guitar and electric organ. Their collective contributions bring Madore’s vision to life with cohesion and emotional depth.
Scenic Side of Skeptical is about seeking clarity in a noisy world. It was born from frustration with the day-to-day and shaped by Madore’s own path of self-discovery, a journey that began with quitting a factory job in Maine and setting out alone on the Appalachian Trail. These songs are filled with observations from that search, held together by one central idea: the courage to begin again, even when the road is uncertain. From the opening line “Thumb’s out, I need a ride” to the closing sentiment “I guess I’ll walk by faith not sight,” the record invites listeners to step off the beaten path and into something more sincere.
This EP resonates through gentleness, groove, and vulnerability. Fans of Ben Harper, Iron & Wine, or José González will find something to love here, a record that is both easy to play on repeat and layered enough to reward close listening. Madore may be at the start of his recorded journey, but with this release, he’s already found a voice that feels sure of itself even in its uncertainty.