Ponder the Albatross turns years of traveling, uncertainty and hard-earned perspective into its new single, “Over Hill and Hollow,” arriving September 18. The song serves as the title track from the Americana and folk-rooted band’s forthcoming album, Over Hill & Hollow, scheduled for release October 2.
Written by frontman Josh Bower, “Over Hill and Hollow” began taking shape far from the recording studio. Some of its earliest ideas surfaced while Bower was traveling along a dusty road near Moab, Utah. A copy of High Performance Habits, given to him by a bandmate, also sparked his interest in the habits people continually feed—particularly the vices that may offer temporary comfort while quietly demanding something in return.
Those ideas developed into a reflective song centered on movement, temptation and the uncertain paths people choose. Bower drew upon the contrast between darkness and light, as well as imagery influenced by the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. The title gained additional significance after he returned to Arkansas, surrounded by the hills and hollows that define the landscape.
Despite its personal history, the song had never been fully rehearsed or arranged by the band before Ponder the Albatross entered Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. During the recording sessions, several of the songs originally selected for the project were not coming together as expected.
While tuning his guitar in the studio, Bower felt compelled to share “Over Hill and Hollow” with producer Ted Hutt and engineer Ryan Mall. It was an instinctive decision that shifted the momentum of the session.
After hearing the song, Hutt encouraged the band to give it time, noting that it reminded him of The Devil Makes Three. The comparison carried particular meaning for Bower, who considers the group a major musical influence.
Ponder the Albatross then began constructing the arrangement for the first time inside the studio. With no established version to follow, the musicians were able to respond to the song in real time. As the track developed, Bower recalls bassist Eric becoming visibly emotional as the band recognized that something significant was taking shape.
The session soon produced another unexpected connection. Hearing the possibility of a banjo part, Hutt invited Cooper McBean of The Devil Makes Three to contribute to the recording. The collaboration completed an unlikely full-circle moment: nearly a decade earlier, Bower had watched The Devil Makes Three perform at Belly Up Aspen with Shakey Graves opening.
The experience also reconnected Bower with the ambitions he had carried since he was 17 years old. What began as scattered ideas collected along the road became a defining studio performance shaped by trust, timing and the willingness to introduce an unfinished song at exactly the right moment.
“Over Hill and Hollow” follows the previously released singles “Holy Road,” “1879” and “Genocide.” Together, the songs reveal the emotional and musical range of the upcoming album while preserving the storytelling, roots instrumentation and rock energy that have become central to the band’s sound.
Ponder the Albatross is an Americana and folk-inspired band led by singer-songwriter Josh Bower. Through vivid storytelling and dynamic musicianship, the group explores perseverance, human connection and the unpredictable turns that shape a life.
“Over Hill and Hollow” will be available on major streaming platforms beginning September 18. The complete Over Hill & Hollow album arrives October 2, 2026.
For additional information, visit www.ponderthealbatross.com