Denver’s got a new psychedelic wizard, and his name is Nate Todd. This guy is something else. And he’s been grinding for a decade, building this trilogy of albums that started with “Whiskey Tango’s Crystal Hotel” back in 2016, followed by “Empty City” in 2024, and now this new record “Tellus” completes the whole damn thing. That’s commitment, folks.
But let’s talk about “Shores of Galicia.” This track is a synth-laced piece of psychedelia that takes you on a wild ride. And the inspiration? It’s not your typical rock star stuff about heartbreak or partying. Nah, Todd went deep into folklore territory for this one.
He stumbled upon the legend of the Moura Encantada. These are these supernatural women from Northern Spain and Portugal’s Celtic past. Think fairy folk, but with a Spanish twist. Long flowing hair, hanging out in ancient stone monuments, caves, springs, rivers, and on the seashore. They show up under the full moon, guarding hidden treasures and ancient secrets.
And get this—there’s a trickster element to these ladies. In the legends, they’re bound by some enchantment and can only be freed if some mortal completes a task, solves a riddle, or shows kindness. That’s the kind of storytelling that gets the creative juices flowing.
Now, here’s what makes this interesting. Nate Todd admits his songwriting usually tackles some pretty dark stuff. But this time, he took a left turn and escaped into this mystical world. He connected with the nature aspect of it all. This track has got this great summer groove vibe that just feels different from his usual darker material.
This whole album “Tellus” sounds like it’s gonna be a journey. If “Shores of Galicia” is any indication, Nate Todd is closing out this decade-long trilogy with some of his most interesting work yet. Turn this one up, let those synths wash over you, and take a trip to the Spanish coast without leaving your living room.