If rock ’n’ roll had a GPS, it’d reroute you straight to Peacock Coyote’s Mind At Ease. Ted Eckhardt’s debut solo EP under this moniker isn’t solely a collection of songs—it’s a four-track down dusty backroads, under star-filled skies, with the kind of inwardness that sticks to your ribs like a shot of bourbon. Released in October 2023, this EP is Ted’s leather-clad letter to life’s fleeting beauty, played loud with guitars, synths dripping in reverb, and enough honest-to-goodness feeling to power a small town. Better hold on tight.
Peacock Coyote is Ted Eckhardt unchained. The Rochester, MN-based singer, guitarist, and songwriter—formerly of Ben Ross’ psych-pop outfit Color You—has traded band democracy for full creative control, and holy hell, does it pay off. Eckhardt wrote, sang, and shredded every guitar note here, but he’s no lone wolf. Enter Ben Ross, his former bandmate and production wizard, who helmed the boards and sprinkled instrumental magic across the tracks. The duo’s chemistry – forged in L.A.’s DIY trenches back in 2015, then reignited in a home studio outside Huntsville, AL, over a Memorial Day weekend that clearly didn’t involve barbecues. Ross’ production elevates Ted’s vision into widescreen glory, blending psychedelics with the kind of ambition that’d make The Boss proud.
“High As A Kite” – The EP kicks off like a sunrise over a desert highway. It’s the sonic equivalent of driving 90 mph with the top down, chasing oblivion. You can almost feel the wind in your hair, like you’re speeding down the road with no destination. Ross’ production here is chef’s-kiss perfection, balancing wraithlike atmospherics with a beat that keeps you grounded and won’t let you float away entirely.
“Love You Everyday” – Don’t let the acoustic intro fool you—this isn’t some campfire snooze. Eckhardt’s raspy, original vocals take attention here, backed by a steady heartbeat of drums and sounds that build into a crescendo of devotion. It’s the EP’s emotional anchor, proving Ted can shred hearts as deftly as he shreds solos.
“Wonderlush” – If the opener was the calm, this is the storm. A hypnotic bassline (courtesy of Ross) and a drumbeat that’s pure “Born to Run” energy propel this track into crazy anthem territory. Eckhardt’s guitar work is bluesy but with an edge, like John Mayer if he grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. The chorus’ll have you jumping around your living room, playing an unseeable guitar like nobody’s watching. It’s Springsteen if he’d traded Asbury Park for a psychedelic detour.
“Let It Flow” – The closer is a slow-burn triumph. Starting with a smoky, blues-tinged riff, it builds into a guitar-drenched explosion that feels like a victory lap after a knockout fight. Eckhardt’s solo here is pure fire—a mix of Mayer-esque phrasing and intense, stripped passion.
Eckhardt wears his inspirations like a battle jacket: John Mayer’s songwriting craftsmanship, Dave Matthews’ “anything could happen” live vibe, and just enough hip-hop bounce to keep things interesting. But this isn’t a tribute act. Cut in Ross’ Alabama home studio, Mind At Ease thrives on being armed with gear and a whole lot of “let’s see what happens” energy. No fancy recording booths here – just two guys, a bunch of instruments, and the freedom to try whatever crazy idea popped into their heads. Eckhardt admits the process was a revelation: trading the safety of acoustic demos for bold, electric experimentation. Ross’ production refines every edge, whether it’s the wall-of-sound guitars or the subtle hip-hop sounds lurking beneath the surface.
Eckhardt isn’t a studio rat. He’s a road dog, tearing up Southeastern Minnesota’s dive bars and intimate venues with live shows that are sweat and swagger. His gigs are where the EP’s studio sheen gets roughed up into something even more dangerous. Mind At Ease isn’t solely a debut— it’s Eckhardt planting his flag. Ted Eckhardt has jarred the restless soul of rock ’n’ roll, filtered through 21st-century means, with a producer who totally gets what he’s after. From the sky-high hooks of “Wonderlush” to the tough guts of “Love You Everyday,” this EP doesn’t politely (or even forcefully) ask you to listen; you’re drawn by yourself. Let this soundtrack be your next escape, because life’s too short for half-hearted rock.
Mind At Ease is available everywhere. Catch Peacock Coyote (Ted Eckhardt) live before he’s playing stadiums and you’re stuck squinting at the Jumbotron.