What makes Sauna by Mount Eerie notable?

'Sauna' was lauded for its raw emotionality and unique sonic approach, contributing to the growing recognition of Mount Eerie within the indie folk scene. The album received critical acclaim from publications like Pitchfork, which praised its immersive quality and stark honesty, highlighting its influence on subsequent artists exploring similar themes of introspection and mortality. By 2015, Mount Eerie, the solo project of Phil Elverum, was well-established following the acclaimed album 'Clear Moon' in 2012. 'Sauna' serves as a follow-up to his deeply personal exploration of loss in 'A Crow Looked at Me' (2017), setting the stage for his continued artistic evolution. This album reflects Elverum's transition into more abstract and contemplative soundscapes.