Whisper States is the solo project from multi-instrumentalist Chad Molter, best known for his work in influential post-hardcore Dischord Records bands Faraquet and Medications, and as a member of Mary Timony (Ex Hex, Helium) and musician, composer and podcast host, Joe Wong’s bands. Molter recently announced his self-titled debut album as Whisper States, due September 6th via Wong’s imprint, Trap Set International. Molter has shared the latest track from the album, “Ghosts Rode.”

“I imagine that there is a spectral train that never stops,” notes Molter when discussing “Ghosts Rode.” “It runs eternally, carrying the souls of those who knew only ceaseless need while they were alive. The train’s whistle may sound something like the wordless chorus of this song.”

Since Medications disbanded in 2010, Molter disappeared for a while, but he wasn’t gone. He was simply in Boulder, CO for the last decade-plus, employed as a social worker and running a homeless shelter which, of course, is as good as painting yourself invisible, isn’t it? So we forgive you if you didn’t see him but we assure you, he continued to exist after he left Washington, DC. He continued to be a musician, even if he no longer publicly performed. And as a result of all this continuing and existing and being, he recently found inspiration to return to songwriting, albeit with a different perspective. With the album Whisper States, we witness the emergence of a new voice from an old head, the distillation of a life spent in service, public and otherwise.

“I wrote these songs at a time in my life when I was winding down 12 years of very intense work at a homeless shelter,” reflects Molter. “I hadn’t planned to make an album; I found myself writing as a way to unpack the many experiences I had there. The memories of thousands of people I encountered during those years appear in these songs. Ultimately, this record is a tribute to the many beautiful people who are unlucky enough to find themselves without housing in one of the richest nations in the world.”

Informed by the melancholy chamber pop of Donovan, The Left Banke and Emitt Rhodes, Whisper States offers ten tracks of earnestly-delivered, progressive folk rock. All instrumentation was performed by Molter, with additional contributions from Devin Ocampo (Faraquet, Medications), Mark Cisneros (Hammered Hulls, The Make-Up), and Mary Timony (Helium, Ex Hex). Longtime friend Joe Wong (Nite Creatures, Parts & Labor, Russian Doll) produced, mixed (in mono) by John McEntire (Tortoise).

Photo Courtesy: Will Elmore