San Francisco – Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers hail from the peaceful middle of Michigan. Beginning in their college years, they toured through Michigan playing at their alma maters, local bars, festivals, and eventually making it all the way out to California. The band has always had a calm, folk feel to their music, favoring acoustic guitar over electric. But what really draws you in is the lyrical poetry, weaving their words to create a perfect picture of their view of the world, not unexpected from a bunch of English majors.

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers grabbed the attention of the Midwest (and some of the west coast) with an incredible song, “Ego Loss On Grand River.” It’s an uplifting anthem that reminds us of our own flaws and strengths and a look towards what they want to become. Terra Incognita, their new album, is a further step into the future. Every song on the album is a well thought-out poem of their hopes, dreams, and experiences.

Their new album goes beyond their comfort limits into new styles, new instruments, and new vocals. Everything works out in favor of Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. It might be early to say, but Terra Incognita could be just what they need to push them over the threshold. Fans that love Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers for their folk melodies will not be disappointed. Though they’ve gone in new directions, the new album still features songs similar to those on On Being. With slow, precise fingerpicking Joe gently sings poetry similar to their old stuff in “Betelgeuse” and “Red Wings.”

An exciting new aspect of Terra Incognita is the introduction of the saxophone in many of their songs. It adds a new dynamic to their music, transforming many of the songs from folk to a jazz/rock fusion. A few of the songs, like “Captain America,” “Feel,” and “River Runs Dry,” showcase the brass and electric guitar solo additions. Not only have Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers added new instruments, they’ve improved their skills on the new album. Joe’s voice especially has changed, expanding his range to match the new style. They even have a song dedicated to voices only: “Trying to Break Your Heart.”

Fans will be delighted with Terra Incognita, many of the songs are love letters to their home state of Michigan. They’ll recognize certain words that can only refer to the great Midwestern state. If one thing can be said about people from the Midwest, it’s that we are fiercely proud of our home. Joe & The Seekers are no exception to this rule, weaving words of love for the place they call home. No matter how far Joe & The Seekers travel they’ll always remember the Mitten. Fans will catch lyrics that profess this love, “Don’t you ever forget who you are” repeated during one of the first few songs. Joe & The Seekers make this especially clear in “Hometown” with lyrics like,  “I don’t want to let you down/ You’ll always be my hometown/ You were the place that wrote the story” followed by “I don’t want to let you down/ You are the people of my hometown.” Don’t worry guys, you certainly haven’t let down the people of mid-Michigan (even those who’ve left Michigan for other states.)

Each of the songs on Terra Incognita is different, showing that Joe & The Seekers have put some serious thought and effort into their second album (via Bad Mascot, distributed by Universal). They’ve gone beyond what they did on On Being and have created a stunning new style on Terra Incognita.

Terra Incognita is out this week. Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers are also currently on tour with dates through SXSW in March.