Hamilton, Ontario folk duo Michael Antelope (singers/guitarists Doug McBrien and Lenny McGowan) share their debut single, “Cat Crow,” a mysterious and quietly disarming single that explores curiosity, fear, and the strange comfort found in not fully understanding the world around you. Rooted in traditional folk sensibilities and rich storytelling, the track weaves together memories of childhood and reflections on the present, blurring the line between the natural and the man-made.

Inspired by Lenny’s childhood spent exploring the Hamilton conservation, “Cat Crow” begins with a simple but haunting question: why do we so rarely encounter death in the natural world? Surrounded by wildlife, the absence of visible remains sparked a deeper curiosity; one that evolved into a meditation on perception, fascination, and the human tendency to linger on the unsettling.

“It’s quite strange that sometimes it’s the worst things that draw our attention,” Lenny reflects. “When something is gross or scary or strange, it’s hard to look away. Similarly, when your expectations of something familiar fall, it’s easier to watch the chaos than look away.”

What sets “Cat Crow” apart is its ability to connect two seemingly distant worlds. Childhood memories of wandering through forests and preparing for imagined danger are mirrored against the more recent experience of navigating crowded city spaces. In both cases, a sense of unease lingers, whether facing the unknown in nature or simply trying to find footing on a packed subway.

The recording process leaned into immediacy and authenticity. Tracked live off the floor, the song features a single, unbroken vocal take from both Lenny and Doug, capturing a raw and intimate performance. The session also brought together a group of standout collaborators, including Ben Whitley (bass) and Kendal Carson (fiddle), whose contributions add subtle depth and texture to the arrangement.

Balancing a tone that feels both comforting and disillusioned, “Cat Crow” creates an emotional tension that never fully resolves. “It makes me feel confused and a little fearful,” Lenny shares, “but also happy and inquisitive. Somehow that combination feels comforting, even if it leaves me skeptical.”