8/10

There’s something special about music captured in the moment, with no studio polish, no second chances. Just musicians, microphones, and whatever magic happens in between. And with their new live album 'On Air', Mahto & The Loose Balloons lean fully into that philosophy, delivering a collection that feels spontaneous, intimate, and wonderfully alive.

Led by songwriter Mahto Addison-Browder, the Johnson City collective brings together a small but vibrant lineup: Will Diebold on bass, Niko Graham behind the drum kit, Ella Patrick adding fiddle textures, and Travis F. Welch on guitar. Together they craft a sound rooted in the storytelling traditions of American folk music while embracing the loose, unpredictable spirit of live performance.

What makes 'On Air' especially compelling is its origin. Rather than recording in a conventional studio setting, these songs were captured during a series of broadcast sessions across Appalachian radio. And that immediacy gives the EP a rare charm. The performances breathe naturally, and you can almost picture the band crowded around microphones in cramped broadcast booths, navigating the thrill and pressure of knowing that listeners could be tuning in at any moment.

Among the highlights is 'Onions', a track that balances humour and heartfelt storytelling in equal measure. Beneath its playful exterior lies a surprisingly personal tale rooted in family history, delivered with a warmth that makes the song feel like a story shared across a kitchen table.

Another standout arrives with 'Virginia Side'. Here, the band revisits a song from Browder’s broader catalogue but reshapes it in a fresh setting. The collaboration with fiddle player Ella Patrick adds a lively dynamic, especially given that the performance came together spontaneously during the session itself.

And that sense of unpredictability defines the entire release. Instead of carefully engineered arrangements, 'On Air' thrives on instinct, chemistry, and the natural interplay between musicians who trust one another.

For those drawn to folk traditions that value authenticity over perfection, this EP is a refreshing reminder of why live recordings hold such a special place in music culture. Right from the start, 'On Air' wins you over through honesty, character, and the thrill of capturing music exactly as it happens.