Will Johnson and Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster Premiere New Track “Inverness”

There are plenty of super groups out there, but how about super duos? The latter may be fewer and farther between, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as worthy of the term “super.” Case in point: one of the latest entries into the canon, Marie/Lepanto.

Marie/Lepanto is the project of Will Johnson and Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster, two beloved figures in the alternative country and roots scenes. Johnson is best known for his work fronting cult favorites Centro-Matic, as well as numerous bands and projects since that include stints with South San Gabriel and New Multitudes, not to mention a healthy dose of solo offerings. Kinkel-Schuster made a name for himself as a co-founder of the indie band Water Liars.

On January 26, the duo will release new album Tenkiller via Fat Possum imprint Big Legal Mess. They recorded the album at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis, Tenn., and found inspiration for the name “Marie/Lepanto” while driving through Kinkel-Schuster’s home of Arkansas. 

Ahead of the album’s release, Marie/Lepanto is premiering the first taste of the LP, “Inverness.” The song is crunchy lo-fi folk with rich vocal harmonies, a driving beat, and careful attention to melody, a combination that should appeal to fans of either artist’s earlier output.

Listen to “Inverness” below.