LEOMINSTER — City resident Matt Sowersby is thrilled to be releasing a debut EP with his post-folk band “Mowesby & the Northern Flicker.”
According to a press release, “The Long & Lonely Wave” features four songs – the title track, “Perspective,” “Love Tangled in the Wind,” and “Retrograde” – melodies that are rooted in human connection, empathy, and the quiet fatigue of living in an unsettled world. They move from intimate moments of care toward a wider confrontation with fear, uncertainty, and denial, while still holding on to kindness.
Sowersby, who goes by the stage name Mowesby, said “it feels a little surreal to finally share” the EP they have poured their musician hearts and souls into.
“It’s cathartic and feels timely,” he shared. “This band came together through a series of chance connections and I’m really grateful for my bandmates. Most of these songs have been with me for years, but my friends’ contributions have shaped them into something I couldn’t have imagined on my own. So much of what we do is built on trust and putting ego aside to complement each other’s musical ideas.”
Their music will speak to fans of Bon Iver, Peter Gabriel, “Pink Floyd,” and “Sigur Rós,” with the band’s unique sound both melancholy and inspiring. Swelling crescendos, quiet moments of intimacy, and impeccable vocals and instruments lead listeners on an imaginative journey.
“Let fear fall away, let love change your mind, don’t have to lose yourself, let love tangle in the wind,” are some of the lyrics from “Love Tangled in the Wind” and the phrase “this is the long and lonely wave” is repeated on “Retrograde.”
Sowersby grew up in Fall River and studied music at UMass Lowell. The 36-year-old has lived in Leominster for eight years with his wife and first got bit by the music bug when he was in elementary school.
“I started taking guitar lessons when I was nine and it took me until high school to begin singing in bands,” he relayed. “I’ve always felt like I have an easier time connecting with others through my music.”
He grew up listening to music his parents introduced him to — Paul Simon, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel — and later discovered influences Bon Iver, Richard Thompson, and Icelandic post-rock band “Sigur Rós” on his own.
“I’m drawn to music that creates a sense of space and gradually reveals itself,” Sowersby disclosed.
“The Long & Lonely Wave” is being released on April 18 and available on CD through the band and at select independent record stores in Central Mass and the surrounding area, as well as on all major streaming platforms. That’s Entertainment is offering it at both their Fitchburg and Worcester locations and it can also be found at The Melody Maker in Clinton, where they recently played a show, and online record store Joe’s Albums.
People can also purchase it by visiting their website, mowesby.com, which includes a wealth of information about the band, a link to the music video for “Perspective,” and the option to join their mailing list for an occasional note from them.
“We’re focused on getting the EP heard, delivering CDs to local shops, booking more shows, and continuing work on a full-length album,” Sowersby said of their present and future goals and plans. “We’d also love to open for regional or national touring acts.”
The band, which takes it’s name from a mashup of Sowersby’s first and last names and a breed of woodpecker whose name he was drawn to, is made up of a wealth of talents who all provide vocals. Sowersby as Mowseby does the lead vocals and plays harmonica and a dobro guitar, Andrew Davis is on the fretless bass, Sylvia DiCrescentis plays violin, Andy Metzger does acoustic guitar, upright bass, and percussion, Katelyn Mae is on viola, and drummer Adam Soucy keeps the beat.
According to bio info on the band’s website, “Mowesby & the Northern Flicker” grew out of Sowersby’s self-produced 2020 demo album “Go Forward” and took shape through what can only be described as kismet. DiCrescentis joined him for a show at The Middle East in Cambridge in 2022 and that same night Soucy — playing with another act on the bill — recognized Sowersby from college and introduced himself after the set. Soon after, Sowersby began performing with Mae and Metzger, who first collaborated with the band in live performances and has since become a permanent member, later connected him with Davis, completing the core lineup.
By 2024 the project had grown into a full band, performing its first show as “Mowesby & the Northern Flicker” that April and releasing a live recording of “Go Forward” from the set. The band released its first studio single, “Love Tangled in the Wind,” later that year, followed by “Perspective” in 2025.
Sowersby is playing a duo set of original music with Davis for Record Store Day at That’s Entertainment’s Worcester location this Saturday at 1 p.m., the same day the album is released, as well as a solo covers gig that night from 7 to 10 p.m. at GazBar Sports Grill on Central Street Leominster, where he is a regular for the every other Tuesday evening open mics.
When asked what he appreciates about their family, friends, and growing fan base supporting his and his band’s musical endeavors, Sowersby said he — and they — are incredibly grateful that they get to share their gifts with so many.
“Honestly, just that people take the time to listen and connect in their own way,” he imparted. “That’s something we never take for granted. Whether it’s coming out to a show or just spending time with the music, it means everything to us.”
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