By Cédric Vernet 
Mountain Men are back in the studio! With Way Back, released on October 2, Mister Mat and Barefoot Iano unveil the first single from their new album, due out on October 16, 2026. After reuniting on stage, it is time for new songs. The duo had already told us about the project when we met them at Jazz à Vienne.
Mountain Men’s return is taking shape, with the duo back together just as they were at the beginning. Available on streaming platforms since Friday, October 2, Way Back also gives its name to the band’s forthcoming album. The single comes with an official music video, which you can watch below.
The release follows their return to touring in 2025 after a six-year break. Mister Mat, on guitar and vocals, and Barefoot Iano, on guitar, harmonica and vocals, are back in their original lineup. The band describe the new record as a return to their roots, bringing together blues, rock and folk, with the chemistry and energy that have been part of the duo since their earliest days.
The pleasure of playing together again
We caught up with them on July 6, 2025, at Vienne’s Théâtre Antique, before their set opening for Ben Harper. In this interview conducted by Cédric Vernet and filmed by Tibo Degraeuwe, the two musicians explained that their reunion had come about simply because they wanted to make music together again. Both had pursued their own projects, but playing a few songs together was all it took to get things going again.
They also spoke about new songs and an album in the works. Originally pencilled in for spring 2026, the record now has a release date: October 16.
Returning to the duo format did not mean setting rules for future recordings. As Mister Mat told us: “We never set ourselves any limits.” Other instruments could be brought in whenever the songs called for them, while keeping the same foundation: “But the heart of it is still the two of us.”
With Way Back, this next chapter is now taking concrete shape. The single paves the way for the album as the live shows continue. The band will play Le Laussy in Gières on October 16, the day the record is released.
Watch our interview with Mountain Men
The duo’s reunion, their solo projects, their songwriting and their approach to performing: revisit our conversation with Mister Mat and Barefoot Iano, filmed by Tibo Degraeuwe at Jazz à Vienne.
Read our Mountain Men interview: “The magic was back from the very first notes” (in French).
When we met them in Vienne, the pleasure of playing together again was at the heart of the conversation. That is what makes this next step interesting: hearing new songs from Mountain Men after seeing the duo get back on the road. On October 16, we will get to discover the album in full.
Quotes translated from our Mountain Men interview at Jazz à Vienne, conducted by Cédric Vernet and filmed by Tibo Degraeuwe on July 6, 2025.
Cover image taken from the Way Back music video.