Tom Tom Club career box set slated for next month

Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth's Tom Tom Club project evolved across three decades and six studio albums. Rhino collects them in the box set Let There Be Love, with 7LP and 6CD versions arriving July 24.. Both are available to pre-order now at Rhino.com.

The albums included are Tom Tom Club (1981), Close to the Bone (1983), Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom (1988), Dark Sneak Love Action (1991), The Good, the Bad, and the Funky (2000), and Downtown Rockers (2012).

Frantz and Weymouth first recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas with Talking Heads for 1978’s More Songs About Buildings and Food and 1980’s Remain in Light. A year later, with the band on hiatus, the pair returned to the island and started playing with the “Compass Point All Stars”—Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Uzziah “Sticky” Thompson, and Tyrone Downie—plus guitarist Adrian Belew and vocalists Lani, Laura, and Loric Weymouth.

Taking the name Tom Tom Club from the dancehall where they first rehearsed, the group released its self-titled debut in 1981. The centerpiece, “Genius of Love,” remains one of the most sampled tracks in music history, its elastic bassline anchoring hits from Mariah Carey, Grandmaster Flash, and Tupac Shakur.

Across decades of recording, Frantz and Weymouth maintained a collaborative, experimental approach, welcoming a rotating gallery of guests into the studio. On Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom, the cover of Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” features Lou Reed, David Byrne, and Jerry Harrison; later, the duo brought reggae artist Toots Hibbert and funk legend Bernie Worrell into the fold for The Good, the Bad, and the Funky.

Brandon Flowers, Def Leppard's Phil Collen guest on September solo album by Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem

Brian Fallon will go on tour soon backed by his solo band, The Painkillers. The frontman of The Gaslight Anthem will play North America, Europe, and the UK with dates beginning in September. Pre-sales get underway Tuesday, June 23. General on-sales begin Friday, June 26. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.brianfallon.net/tour.

The upcoming live run celebrates the arrival of Fallon’s new album, Not Bad For New Jersey, due via his own Lesser Known Records at all DSPs and streaming services on September 10; physical release follows on September 11. 

Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now. Fallon’s first original solo LP in more than five years, Not Bad For New Jersey includes the new single, “Pearls,” available everywhere now.

“I’ve never been one to resent anybody for having certain advantages in life, and I don’t think there’s anything inherently pure in having to struggle,” says Brian Fallon. “But I do think there’s real value in overcoming the odds stacked against you, because getting to the point of feeling like you’re actually worth something is one of the toughest mountains to climb.”

Produced by longtime collaborator Butch Walker (Green Day, Jesse Malin) at Walker’s studio just outside Nashville, Not Bad For New Jersey sees Fallon joined by The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithfull), and Lori McKenna. 

The songs were tracked mostly live in a series of sessions with Walker (who handled bass, piano, backing vocals, and more) and drummer Eric Slick (Robyn Hitchcock, Adrian Belew).

“From the beginning I knew I had to fully lean into the passion and lunacy of all these songs I felt inspired by – there wasn’t much room for subtlety,” says Fallon, citing Bryan Adams’ “Run to You” and The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” as key touchstones. “There was so much childlike joy in writing and recording all these songs. The whole album came together so naturally, with a level of creative fulfillment I hadn’t experienced in a very long time.”

“Better Before” was co-written with his close friend, Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Donovan Woods, while “Not Bad for New Jersey” is a homage to Fallon’s home state.

“‘Not Bad for New Jersey’ is my way of celebrating what I do and where I’m from,” says Brian Fallon. “I wrote that song looking back on my life the way you do after almost ending up in a crash - like, ‘How did I make it through that?’ I really could’ve busted myself open somewhere along the way, but somehow I’m still here and I’m still in one piece.”

LISTEN TO “NOT BAD FOR NEW JERSEY” + “BETTER BEFORE”

Tour Dates: 

SEPTEMBER

10 — Brooklyn, NY — Music Hall of Williamsburg

11 — Woodstock, NY — Levon Helm Studios
12 — Somerville, MA — Arts at the Armory
14 — Toronto, ON — The Opera House
15 — Buffalo, NY — Town Ballroom
16 — Pittsburgh, PA — Mr. Smalls Theatre
18 — Detroit, MI — El Club
19 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest 2026 †
20 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave Hall
22 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
24 — Denver, CO — The Oriental Theater
26 — Portland, OR — The Get Down
27 — Seattle, WA — Neumos
29 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
30 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post - Roseville

OCTOBER

1 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory Orange County

3 — San Diego, CA — Casbah
4 — Phoenix, AZ — Crescent Ballroom
6 — Austin, TX — Mohawk (Outdoor Stage)
7 — Dallas, TX — Trees
9 — Atlanta, GA — Center Stage (The Loft)
10 — Carrboro, NC — Cat's Cradle
11 — Washington, DC — Black Cat
13 — Philadelphia, PA — World Cafe Live (Music Hall)

NOVEMBER

2 — Cologne, DE — Live Music Hall

3 — Munich, DE — Kesselhaus
4 — Berlin, DE — Astra Kulturhaus
6 — Hamburg, DE — Fabrik
7 — Antwerp, BE — Trix Club
8 — Amsterdam, NL — Paradiso
10 — London, UK — O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
11 — Manchester, UK — Albert Hall
13 — Dublin, IE — Olympia Theatre
15 — Glasgow, UK — University of Glasgow (Queen Margaret Union)

* w/ Special Guest Emily Wolfe
† Festival Appearance

Track Listing:

Not Bad for New Jersey
Better Before
Pearls
The Big Sleep (feat. Donovan Woods)
On Good Terms (feat. Lori McKenna)
Nobody Likes You in NYC
Love at the End of the World (feat. Brandon Flowers)
Somewhere You Shouldn’t Be (feat. Phil Collen)
Fading on Me
Walkin’ Through the Garden
Wolf by the River (feat. Marc Ribot)

Johnny Marr ponders 'The Age of Everything' in October

Johnny Marr has revealed “Spin,” the first offering from his forthcoming album, and fifth solo full-length studio record, The Age of Everything. “Spin” is out now, with The Age Of Everything arriving October 2 via BMG.

Watch the video for “Spin” here

'Age' was written in London and developed live on the road across the East Coast of North America and recorded in Manchester. 

On the album, Marr says, “This is the record that’s been the most cathartic. The title came to me early in the process and became an inescapable idea. It seemed to sum up the way I think a lot of people are feeling. It’s all encompassing, but it's not necessarily a negative statement. There’s a sense of overwhelm in the culture brought about by technology, but looking at it with a different light, there could also be a sense of possibility.”

The Age Of Everything follows the former Smiths/Modest Mouse guitarist’s double-album Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 and a collection of his solo work, Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr. His solo career has given rise to five UK Top Ten albums - The Messenger (2013), Playland (2014), Call The Comet (2018), Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 (2022), and Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr (2023).

Track listing:

1. Spin
2. Beyond The Rain
3. It’s Time
4. How Come
5. Ophelia
6. That Feeling
7. In And Out Of Love
8. Just Once More
9. Fire With Fire
10. All In A Life

Eighties rock band code blue to get reissued albums in July

Nickel and Dime/Triple X Records will release code blue’s self-titled studio album which originally debuted on Warner Bros. Records in 1980, plus Recharged!, the remastered version (featuring exclusive bonus tracks). This digital double album arrives July 31. 

“We have been huge fans of code blue since the 1980s when this record first came out,” says Peter Heur of Nickel and Dime/Triple X Records. “When we heard that for some mysterious licensing related reason almost none of the band's music is available online we knew we had to remedy the situation stat!” 

Dave Gray of Nickel and Dime adds. “And fans can look forward to the never before released album, Live at the Fab Mab ’78 recorded at Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco slated for later this year. That vinyl LP comes out just in time to join the 50 Years of Punk celebrations all over the world.”

Band founder Dean Chamberlain says “the label guys and I thought the remastered version sounds so different from the original - a lot heavier guitar, a fuller sound, more impact, most songs slowed down so they actually groove - that it would be valuable to include the original for die-hard fans and fans of the ‘80s new wave sound. Recharged! is digitized from original safety masters, then remastered using new software to isolate elements (vocals, guitars, drums) and do a quasi-remix using just the two-track stereo masters achieving a much different sound and vibe.”

The album was recorded March through June of 1980 and produced by code blue with Nigel Gray. Gray also produced The Police including Outlandos d'Amour (1978), Reggatta de Blanc (1979), Zenyatta Mondatta (1980); Siouxsie and the Banshees’ Kaleidoscope (1980), Juju (1981), The Thorn (1984); Girlschool’s "Don't Call It Love" (1982), Screaming Blue Murder and many other iconic artists and releases. "After Gray was let go" Dean says, "we did additional overdubs and mixed at The Record Plant in LA." Another studio of eminence with a jaw dropping list of artists who have recorded there.

When asked to describe the sound Dean says “someone called us The Motorhead of New Wave and I’m okay with that.” 

code blue Track Listing:

1. Whisper/Touch

2. Modern Times
3. Hurt
4. Face to Face
5. Burning Bridges
6. Somebody Knows
7. Other End of Town
8. Where I Am
9. Settle for Less
10. The Need
11. Paint By Numbers

code blue Recharged! (Nickel and Dime/Triple X Records) track listing:

1. Modern Times
2. Whisper/Touch
3. Hurt
4. Burning Bridges
5. Face to Face
6. Somebody Knows
7. Other End of Town
8. Where I Am
9. Settle for Less
10. The Need
11. Paint By Numbers

12. United [exclusive new song bonus*]
13. The Need (demo) [exclusive bonus]
14. Where I Am (demo) [exclusive bonus]
15. Burning Bridges (demo) [exclusive bonus]
16. We Were Wasted [bonus]
17. Madrugada (demo) [exclusive bonus]

New Eels album due in October

Critically acclaimed rock group Eels have announced their 16th studio album, COOKIE HAPPENED, arriving October 16 via E Works/Play It Again Sam.

Lead off track "Cap in Hand," told from the perspective of someone finally confronting their mistakes and is now attempting to set things right. Listen here.

Leader E (Mark Oliver Everett) says, "I wanted to sound kind of worn out for this one too, like someone who’s messed up their life but now sees the error of their ways and is trying to make amends with their tail between their legs. You know how record companies are: “We don’t care what you give us, just make sure you sound defeated on the first two tracks."

Speaking about the album title, he continues, "All of this will be forgotten. Every joy, accomplishment and hardship will one day become so irrelevant it will be as if none of it occurred. But as the great philosopher of our times, Cookie Monster once said: 'Me no cry because cookie is finished. Me smile because cookie happened.' This will all be forgotten. But isn’t it still a beautiful thing that it happened?"

Best known for the modern rock radio chart topper "Novocaine for the Soul," from first album Beautiful Freak, E is also the author of the memoir Things the Grandchildren Should Know and the subject of the award-winning documentary Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, which explored his relationship with his father, the pioneering quantum physicist Hugh Everett III.

Track list:

01 CLOBBERED
02 CAP IN HAND
03 ALL FORGOTTEN
04 BAMBOOZLED AGAIN
05 LOST AND BARKING
06 TAKING PICTURES
07 NEW STORY
08 CONGRATULATIONS TO ME
09 ONE RAZZLE, ONE DAZZLE
10 I'M ON STANDBY
11 DUM DUMS
12 THE WAY I WAS MADE

Out now: Deluxe Edition of The Cranberries’ Beloved 1993 Debut Album

photo: Andy Earl

The Cranberries’ Everybody Else is Doing it, So Why Can't We? heralded the arrival of a musical force to be reckoned with, thanks to the singular vocals of the late Dolores O’ Riordan, frequently jangly guitars by Noel Hogan, and the inspired rhythm section of Fergal Lawler and Mike Hogan.

Among the finest debut albums by any rock act during the 1990s, it was certified quintuple platinum in America and spawned two hands-down classics in the top 20 alt-rock hits “Dreams” (later to be featured in multiple commercials and films) and “Linger”

This highly recommended 33rd Anniversary Deluxe Edition is available now in various LP/CD/digital configurations (for more info: www.cranberries.com). A fresh remastering, as well as a 2026 stereo mix done at Abbey Road by original producer, Stephen Street, draw out more of the alluring instrumentation.

Besides the aforementioned singles, highlights include atmospheric opening track “I Still Do,” the tension filled “Waltzing Back,” laid back “Pretty,” and rocking “Wanted.”

Lawler, Street and Noel Hogan provide enlightening background info the songs, making of the album and the Irish band’s history (this writer particularly enjoyed reading how the musicians were in awe of Street, who’d previously helmed Smiths albums and that he concentrated on making the “Linger” sound swing alongside The Duke Quartet’s orchestration).

Elsewhere, the deluxe edition features four previously released B-sides or session outtakes (each nearly as strong as what made the final cut), a remix of “Pretty” from the 1994 “Pret-a-Porter” film soundtrack (here, it is more orchestrated), a punchier, bass-heavy Radical Remix of “How” and a new exotic-sounding remix of “Linger,” with a crackling old 45 single effect, courtesy of Chvrches’ Iain Cook.

The deluxe liner notes also sport nearly two dozen Andy Earl black and white moody band shots (he and cover designer Cally Callomon contribute more recollections, as does O’Riordan’s mother Eileen).

Full track listings can be found elsewhere on this blog. 

Final Soft Cell album 'Danceteria' set for September

photo: Mike Owen

Electronic music legends Soft Cell - singer/LGBTQ icon Marc Almond and late multi-instrumentalist/producer Dave Ball, are set to release Danceteria, their sixth and final studio album, on September 25 via Republic of Music.

The duo is best known for the classic '80s remake of Edd Cobb/Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love."

The title track, available now, is a disco pop statement of intent. Danceteria, the album, arrives on LP and CD, with the CD expanding to 14 tracks including two bonus tracks: "Crackland" and "What Is Your Morality."

Marc describes the album:

"Danceteria is a love letter to New York in the early '80s. The time we spent in New York - where we recorded our first three albums - shaped us both as artists and people. To celebrate this period is a fitting farewell to Dave Ball and the final Soft Cell studio album."

The album is one of the last bodies of work Ball co-wrote and produced before his sad, untimely passing in October 2025. Almond described Dave as a "brilliant musical genius." Dave finished Danceteria two days before he passed away, and it is in full tribute to him that the album release went ahead as planned.

It is also because of Dave's passing that Danceteria simply has to be the last Soft Cell album, as Marc explains:

"There can be no more recordings of Soft Cell without Dave, it would not be possible. The sad reality is that Dave Ball was half of Soft Cell, and live work aside, I can't write Soft Cell songs without him."

Danceteria is set in the legendary Manhattan nightclub where young Marc and Dave would party until the small hours after the recording sessions for their seminal 1981 debut Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. 

“Soft Cell have always had a strong connection with New York, and my Soft Cell lyrics often look at America through British eyes,” says Marc. “New York in the 1980s was a particularly creative place for me. It was a pivotal era in terms of changes in my personal life and changes in the city itself. New York shaped Soft Cell as it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. It was dirty, dark and dangerous – a real Wild West – but it was also deeply inspiring and exciting. A lot of our original influences came from America anyway: New York punk, Devo, Suicide, Lou Reed, disco and 1960s soul. But New York was like nowhere else on earth. There were 24-hour nightclubs, music, art and underground theatre. It offered a cornucopia of energy and edge, and the lyrics on ‘Danceteria’ reflect that time of my life.”

This past March, the first new music released from Danceteria in form of "Out Come The Freaks," a cover of Was (Not Was)'s 1981 song. "Out Come The Freaks" features guest vocals from Nona Hendryx, one third of Labelle of "Lady Marmalade" fame. "Danceteria" was initially released as an extended mix on limited white 12" vinyl for Record Store Day 2026, along with a house rework by Mark Moore and Dan Donovan, plus a dub version.

Marc Almond will be performing as Soft Cell in North America on the Generations Tour with The Human League and Alison Moyet throughout July. Marc will also be playing some UK solo shows, including with Gary Numan and Ladytron at Crystal Palace Bowl, London, on August 6 and as a special guest of The Human League at Ludlow Castle, Shopshire, on July 18 (full listings and tickets here).

Track Listing:

LP 

Side A

1) Elusive (Vinyl Edit)
2) Danceteria
3) The Space Inside (Vinyl Edit)
4) Times Square (Vinyl Edit)
5) Two Of A Kind
6) The Rainbow Room (Vinyl Edit)
7) In Heaven (When I Dance With You)

Side B

1) Decadence Is Hard Work
2) Losing Yourself
3) After Hours
4) Wave To America
5) Out Come The Freaks

CD:

1) Elusive
2) Danceteria
3) The Space Inside
4) Times Square
5) Two Of A Kind
6) The Rainbow Room
7) In Heaven (When I Dance With You)
8) Decadence Is Hard Work
9) Crackland
10) What Is Your Morality
11) Losing Yourself
12) After Hours
13) Wave To America
14) Out Come The Freaks

Pre-order Danceteria on vinyl, CD and digital here.
www.softcell.co.uk

The Human League, Soft Cell and Alison Moyet Tour Dates:

Jun 13 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre
Jun 16 Dallas, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre
Jun 17 New Orleans Saenger Theatre
Jun 19 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
Jun 20 Charlotte, NC The Amp Ballantyne
Jun 21 Nashville, TN Grand Ol Opry
Jun 23 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre SOLD OUT
Jun 24 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Detroit
Jun 26 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall SOLD OUT
Jun 27 Boston, MA Wang Theatre
Jun 28 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
Jun 30 Vienna, VA Filene Center
Jul 1 Northfield, OH MGM Northfield
Jul 2 Niagara, ON Fallsview Casino Resort SOLD OUT

Leetham EP "Kink' is out now

Leetham's new EP Kink is available now on streaming music platforms. The electro-pop artist pays homage to the LGBTQ+ community on songs that delve into gritty, pop-coded club music and more. 

STREAM KINK:
SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | TIDAL

The EP was recorded early in 2025 in Provo, UT, with the main sonic inspiration self-described as a mix of Charli XCX and Fall Out Boy, while traces of Kim Petras and Slayyyter can also be found on Kink’s vocal moments and production elements - specifically in tracks like the electro-clash heavy “Scream” and “blackBOOTS”

“It explores sexuality and identity and celebrates the things that make me queer. The first track is about the complexities of intimacy. The second track is a party song, the third is about taking hate from others and turning it into power, and the fourth track takes a slow approach at discovering attraction to the same sex,” said leetham in a statement. 

ABOUT LEETHAM:

Originating from Salt Lake City, leetham's music celebrates queer expression and operates with the goal of including everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Sonically serving elements of pop, electronica, and hyperpop, leetham has done opening slots for artists like CupcakKe, PHANGS, The Unlikely Candidates. 

Leetham's upcoming concert dates will be opening for Zee Machine. 

'Kink' Track Listing:

1. Scream

2. Black Boots

3. Hate Me

4. Turn Me On

Weezer Return with New Self-Titled Album in August; Fall Tour Includes LA, San Diego, Las Vegas

SoCal band Weezer announced a new album, Weezer, out August 21 via Reprise/Warner Records. Lead single, “We Might as Well Be Strangers” featuring Wednesday's Karly Hartzman, is available now.

After releasing blue, green, red, white, teal, and black albums, Weezer returns with a new color, gold, for the 20th album. Following a 30th anniversary tour that saw Weezer play their debut album in full, the band reconvened in Orange County – a midway point between where they all live in California – and essentially went back to where they started: in a rehearsal space, playing together, writing together, figuring out what they wanted to do next, and what the shape of that next project looked like.

The songs were written by three of the band’s four members, marking the first time Weezer frontman/guitarist Rivers Cuomo and drummer Pat Wilson had written the basics of a song together since their first album.

When it was time to record, the band chose two producers: Klas Ahlund and Kenneth Blume (FKA Kenny Beats). Kenny said he wanted to make “the most violent Weezer album ever.” While Klas took a more mathematical, stringent approach to recording, Kenny pushed the production to the “rock band in a room” feeling: no grid, no click track, no pitch correction. Drums were recorded with all four playing live, listening to each other and still re-shaping the songs.

Fans can presave the album now and an exclusive signed vinyl is available for presale on the band’s webstore HERE.

STREAM “WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS” FT. WEDNESDAY

WATCH THE “WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS” FT. WEDNESDAY MUSIC VIDEO HERE

PRE-SAVE WEEZER NOW

Earlier this year, the band announced their Weezer: The Gathering tour, a 32-date run across North America. They’re joined by The Shins and Silversun Pickups as support. In celebration of this announcement, the band hosted a week of events in Los Angeles, including Weezerpedia trivia, a pickleball tournament with fans, and more. For full tour routing and information on upcoming dates, visit Weezer’s website HERE.

Track listing:

Say Yes
Shine Again
Don't Make It Weird
We Might As Well Be Strangers ft. Wednesday
C.E.O.
Hoops
Nowhere
The Show Must Go On
Up In The Clouds
The LA Sound

Tour Dates:

Sat Jun 27 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Halifax Music Fest*
Tue Sep 08 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Wed Sep 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Fri Sep 11 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Sat Sep 12 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Sun Sep 13 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Tue Sep 15 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
Wed Sep 16 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sun Sep 20 – Saint Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
Tue Sep 22 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Wed Sep 23 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Fri Sep 25 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sat Sep 26 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Sun Sep 27 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Tue Sep 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Wed Sep 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Oct 02 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Sat Oct 03 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Sun Oct 04 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
Tue Oct 06 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Wed Oct 07 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Fri Oct 09 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sat Oct 10 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Oct 11 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Tue Oct 13 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
Wed Oct 14 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
Fri Oct 16 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat Oct 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Sun Oct 18 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX
Tue Oct 20 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
Wed Oct 21 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Fri Oct 23 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sat Oct 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
* = Festival

Out now: 'Badges' by Britpop forerunner The Loft

The Loft

Badges
(Tapete)

Last year, Britpop forerunner The Loft released the winsome Everything Changes, Everything Stays the Same. 

It was the London band's debut full-length effort, having previously put out two mid-Eighties singles on a then-nascent Creation Records (later home to The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis and other influential acts) before swiftly breaking up.

Now singer/guitarist Pete Astor (also known for his tenure in The Weather Prophets) and the other original members - drummer Dave Morgan, bassist Bill Prince, and lead guitarist Andy Strickland - are back sooner than expected with Badges, another jangly indie pop gem.

Produced by Sean Read (Dexy's Midnight Runners, Edwyn Collins), Badges opens with the fast-paced "Happenstance," which had its genesis with the last Loft lineup before it split up. "Sad Comedian," the first of several highlights, boasts a T Rex-inspired rhythm. The sublime "Campervan" is Astor's subtle tribute to people who vacation around England in compact vans while living in their vehicle. The darker hued "Goodbye Saturday Night" details the ritual of going out on the town and finds Astor intriguingly namechecking real UK locations. Another standout is the harmoniously retro "C'mon Let's Hear it For the Now." Then there's the mysterious-sounding "Junk Shop," about looking for love and loosely based on a W.B. Yeats writing.

You might like if you enjoy: Lloyd Cole, Nick Lowe, The Church, Robyn Hitchcock, 1960s psychedelia

To purchase: the-loft.bandcamp.com

Out Now: 'Tracks from the Attic Revisited,' New Album by David J of Bauhaus, Love and Rockets Fame; SoCal Shows Soon

David J (David John Haskins) - best known for his stints in Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Tones on Tail and more - just released his 'Tracks from the Attic Revisited' album. The 10 songs were originally among 37 home recordings on Tracks From the Attic, a 2024 triple album released by Independent Project Records in 2024. Some were reshaped and rewritten, to be later reinterpreted and recorded with a full band. 

Tracks From the Attic Revisited was produced by David J, with the British musician also handling vocals and acoustic guitar. Other contributors are: Jason Roberts (guitar), Jon Bernstein (piano, organ), Tony Green (bass), David Raven (drums), Dan Clucas (trumpet), Robert “Smokey” Miles (accordion), John Courage (lap steel) and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction (congas).

The frequently enchanting album is highlighted by the catchy "I Wish Those Spacemen Would Come," where Haskins sings about "oligarchs and tech bros," and a jangly guitar leads the way; "Leaning Towards the Falls," a ballad bolstered by gorgeous twinkling piano work; the laid-back groove of "The Most Beautiful Girls in the World" (who "are on Sunset Blvd. and Times Square"); and the swelling organ-enhanced "All The Pilgrims."  

Album formats include black or gold LP, special edition CD, and digital formats. Order here via Independent Project Records (IPR).

David J begins a run of select cross-country shows at LA's Zebulon on June 8 for a record release party; more TBA (see list below). 

Track List:

1. I Wish Those Spacemen Would Come (Revisited)
2. If Muzak Be the Junk Food of Love (Revisited)
3. The Most Beautiful Girls in the World (Revisited)
4. Leaning Towards the Falls (Revisited)
5. Homo Sapien Blues (Revisited)
6. I’ll Put Off Thinking About You for Awhile (Revisited)
7. New Year’s Day (Revisited)
8. All The Pilgrims (Revisited)
9. Vincent in the Flames (Revisited)
10. Punishment By Roses (Revisited)

Tour Dates:

6/08 Zebulon, Los Angeles, CA. (Record Release Party)
6/09 Casbah, San Diego, CA
6/12 Museum of Post Punk & Industrial Music (in conversation with Martin Atkins, Chicago, IL
6/15 Ypsi Ale House, Ypsilanti, MI
6/16 Ritual, Ann Arbor, MI
6/18 Electric Gardens Studio, Atlanta, GA
6/20 House Party, Raleigh, NC
6/24 House Party, Ashville, NC
6/27 Dex Fest, Chapel Hill, NC

More about Tracks from the Attic and Revisited:

When David J first went digging through boxes of old tapes, he uncovered demos recorded over four decades and approached material that sometimes he had no recollection of having written as when producing another artist’s music.

The old home recordings became new demos for Revisited: ideas were reworked, lyrics were adjusted when they showed a potential to narrate more recent life events. Once reshaped, the songs were shared with musicians who convened at Ear Gallery Music in Los Angeles.

“The demos were like neglected little seeds that had been set aside, or fallen on fallow land,” David J says. “They’ve been gathered up, nurtured, tended and brought back to life as little buds. Now this is the bloom.”

Nineties UK Rock Band Gene to Make First US Live Appearances in Nearly a Quarter Century This Winter

photo: Jim Mitcham

Since I interviewed the band during its heyday, I'm hoping to catch the SoCal appearance...

Veteran Britpop band Gene will do its first North American shows in 24 years, after reuniting last year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Olympian.

Original members Martin Rossiter (vocals), Matt James (drums), Steve Mason (guitars) and Kevin Miles (bass) shared the stage together again for the first time since a farewell show in London in 2004.

After a run of sold-out UK shows earlier this year, and the release of the live album, ‘Apollo’, recorded at the band’s return in London last October, Gene will play select dates in North America this November, which include the Darker Waves festival on November 14. Ensuring what will be a very welcome return to these shores after an absence of over two decades, Martin Rossiter says, “In this increasingly bleak world, come and throw your arms in the air, and your legs if you must, for an evening of vim and vigour.”

After being approached at the end of 2024 about the possibility of playing again as Gene by Creation Records founder Alan McGee and Toura Toura’s Kevin Fitzgerald, the four band members met for the first time in many years, and the speed at which things have progressed since is testament to the group’s enduring passion and immediate reconnection.

“All four of us met up, probably for the first time since our last gig (in 2004), and it immediately felt just like it had always been,” explains Matt James. “We were always very self-depreciating as a group and the banter quickly kicked back in. After a few quips barked across the pub table we relaxed and we all laughed a lot. Straightaway it felt like we were a band again.”
“We all put our energy into making this musically spectacular,” explains Martin. “Within five minutes, the conversations between the four of us had reached the point of, 'how do we make this brilliant?' So that drive is still there, the dynamic was still there and so I started daydreaming about what it would be like to waggle my – slightly larger – ass on the stage one more time.”

Gene formed in 1993 and made their debut with the single For The Dead the following year on the indie label Costermonger, which was founded especially for the release by the journalists and authors Keith Cameron and Roy Wilkinson. Limited to 1,994 copies, the seven-inch sold out in two days.

The band’s debut album, Olympian, arrived in 1995, with singles Sleep Well Tonight, Haunted By You, and the title track – and would reach the UK Top 10. Olympian was followed in 1996 by rarities and b-side collection To See The Lights, before second full album, Drawn To The Deep End, also went straight into the UK Top 10 in 1997, with hits Fighting Fit, We Could Be Kings, Where Are They Now? and Speak To Me Someone. 1999’s Revelations and 2002's Libertine came next. 

Reflecting the live reputation the band enjoyed throughout their career – both for their shows and as festival favorites – Gene’s then final gig took place at the London Astoria on December 16th, 2004.

In their absence, Gene’s influence has still been keenly felt, not only earning continued plays on UK radio stations including BBC 6 Music and Absolute, while enjoying growing streaming numbers, but the group’s entire back catalogue was re-pressed on vinyl in 2020, alongside the release of new best of collection, Yours For The Taking. 

While Olympian’s 30th birthday year added a great sense of occasion for the band and fans alike, the four-piece was keen to ensure the London show (and all future shows) was a celebration of everything Gene stood for. “Olympian’s anniversary was a good reason for doing it, but we looked forward to playing songs from all of our career,” says Matt. “It’s a lot of fun playing as Gene again.”

In celebration of the band’s return, a live album, ‘Apollo’, has just been released. More than 5,000 fans packed the sold-out Hammersmith Apollo in London last October.

The LP showcases some of the band’s best-known songs — including Olympian, We Could Be Kings, Speak to Me Someone, Fighting Fit, and For the Dead — alongside deeper cuts, B-sides, and rarities specially rehearsed for the show. 

Track listing:

1. London, Can You Wait?
2. Be My Light, Be My Guide
3. We Could Be Kings
4. Where Are They Now?
5. Truth Rest Your Head
6. Your Love It Lies
7. Longsleeves For The Summer
8. Sleep Well Tonight
9. Save Me I’m Yours
10. O Lover
11. Speak To Me Someone
12. A Car That Sped
13. Walking In The Shallows
14. Haunted By You
15. Olympian
16. For The Dead
17. Sick, Sober & Sorry
18. Fighting Fit
19. I Can’t Help Myself
20. Who Said This Was The End?

Live shows:

Jun 26 - Southampton, UK - The Brook
Jun 27 - Newport, UK - Corn Exchange
Jun 28 - Lancaster, UK - Kanteena
Sep 25 - Valencia, ES - Visorfest
Oct 9 - London, UK - The Roundhouse
Oct 10 - London, UK - The Roundhouse
Nov 12 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
Nov 14 - Huntingdon Beach, CA - Darker Waves Festival
Nov 16 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
Nov 17 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
Nov 19 - Washington, D.C - Howard Theatre
Nov 20 - New York, NY - Sony Hall

Tickets available from all venues and www.geneofficial.com

Little Big Town To Unveil New Album in August

Little Big Town – Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook – have announced their 12th studio album, It’s A Dying Art, arriving August 28 via MCA. Co-produced by Gena Johnson and Fairchild, the release features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell, and Kelsea Ballerini.

The album is available for pre-order now in multiple physical and digital configurations, including CD, vinyl and retailer-exclusive variants. LittleBigTown.com will feature limited runs of exclusive signed and special color vinyl editions. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.

Latest single “Over and Over” was co-written by Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson and Madi Yanofsky. The group debuted it live at this year’s Stagecoach. Listen HERE. Earlier this month, the group debuted the first offering from the upcoming album, “Hey There Sunshine” at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Watch the video HERE.

Track listing:

1. Intro
2. Sucker For A Sad Song (with Ashley Monroe)
3. The Door (with Jason Isbell)
4. Dying Art
5. Hey There Sunshine
6. Over And Over
7. The Idea
8. We Could Have It All
9. Crickets
10. Closing Time (with Kelsea Ballerini)
11. Long Way To Your Heart
12. It's Coming Around
13. Jet Plane

The Long-Awaited Return of The Durutti Column

More than forty years after their debut, The Durutti Column - guitarist Vini Reilly, drummer and percussionist Bruce Mitchell and producer and instrumentalist Keir Stewart - return with new album 'Renascent' on July 31.

It marks the group’s first collection of new material since 2010’s A Paean to Wilson and carries a Factory Too catalogue number in collaboration with Oliver Wilson, continuing the legacy of Manchester, UK's famed Factory Records. Visually, Renascent reunites the band with original Factory design collaborators, Mark Holt and Hamish Muir of 8vo. 

Musically, “Every single piece of music writes itself,” Reilly notes. Longtime collaborator Mitchell recalls the instinctive nature of ideas captured quickly, often in a single take. Stewart expands on this philosophy, emphasizing freedom and presence. 

The album was assembled over several years in an organic fashion. Recording sessions often took place informally, sometimes in Reilly’s own kitchen, with minimal equipment and an emphasis on immediacy. “For Friends Everywhere” revisits “For Belgian Friends” (from 1980’s A Factory Quartet). Rearranged as an orchestral octet, it transforms a long-standing live favorite. 

For Reilly, “empathy is the essence of humanity, if you lose that ability to empathize, it’s the deadening of your own soul.” Renascent's pieces were often shaped by personal connections and human stories. 

“Vin’s songs are constantly surprising,” says Mitchell, “you want to keep on listening to them over and over again.” On hearing the completed Renascent Mitchell says: “it’s like a child that leaves home for a long time and then they return and you love them all the more all over again.”

First track “Liars” (listen/watch here) consists of Reilly repeating “I am sorry, I love you.” It’s also evident in Renascent being among the most collaborative albums Durutti have made – and not just because of the increased input of Mitchell and particularly of Stewart. Reilly’s Manchester neighbor, folktronica artist Caoilfhionn Rose sings on “Agonistes” and sings and plays piano on “Sargasso Sea.”

Few people are more unpredictable than Reilly, who says, “From the moment we’re born we’re never ever instigative, only ever reactive. It’s like Newton’s law of motion, if you’re not pushing against anything, you lose momentum.” 

The album will be available across a number of formats including digital, CD (both with the bonus track “All They See is Fire”) and transparent yellow vinyl. There will also be a limited edition vinyl LP featuring alternative artwork, pressed on bottle green vinyl and featuring an oversized booklet. The official Durutti Column store will host some very limited editions including a cassette, and a very special edition slipcase version of the album (limited to 1,000 copies worldwide) with alternative artwork, heavyweight black vinyl, a DVD with visualizers for every track, 4 art prints and a folded poster. Rough Trade have their own exclusive edition of the album (limited to 500 copies), a split purple / green vinyl version, with a bonus flexi disc of “All They See is Fire.”

In recent years, songs by The Durutti Column have surfaced across television, gaming soundtracks and high fashion runways. 

About The Durutti Column:

From their arrival in 1980 with The Return of the Durutti Column, released on Tony Wilson’s Factory Records, The Durutti Column stood apart from the post punk making waves in the UK. In recent years, artists like Frank Ocean, The Avalanches, Yung Lean, Youth Lagoon and Mark William Lewis have declared or demonstrated Durutti’s influence. In the past year Blood Orange sampled “Sing to Me” for 2025’s single “The Field,” and the band was hymned by Harry Styles as a key influence on 2026’s Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally.

Styles has involved the band in his curation of this year's Meltdown Festival, where they will be celebrated with a special concert For Vini: A Tribute to The Durutti Column on June 17 in London. Renascent producer Keir Stewart (guitar, bass, samples, keys) will be joined by Durutti Column collaborators Liz Rossi (violin, piano), Caolfhionn Rose (vocals, piano) and Sam Morris (French horn) as they interpret key moments across the band’s six decade career.

LISTEN | WATCH“LIARS”

PRE-ORDER/SAVE

Track Listing:

Echoes In The Memory
Your Shadow At Morning
Time Present And Time Past
Agonistes
Liars
Vapour In A Matchbox
Your Shadow At Evening
Sargasso Sea
Scammer
For Friends Everywhere
All They See Is Fire (CD / digital bonus track)

Album Reviews: Social Distortion, Red Rockers - Live, Romeo Void - Live

Social Distortion

Born to Kill

(Epitaph)

Led by singer/guitarist Mike Ness, Social Distortion was a vital part of the OC punk scene during the ‘80s and saw commercial success in the ‘90s via such modern rock radio hits as “Ball & Chain,” “Bad Luck,” “Cold Feelings,” “Let it Be Me” and “I Was Wrong.” 

Now, Social D is back with a vengeance on Born to Kill, its first studio album in 15 years. The creative fire still burns deep for Ness, who recently battled cancer. He co-produced this one with Dave Sardy (Oasis, Bush) and the powerful songs contain various hallmarks that made Social D the pride of Fullerton: pile-driving guitars and lyrics reflecting a battle-scarred survivor’s experience. 

Lucinda Williams duets with Ness on terrific old school country-tinged bar room tune “Crazy Dreamer”; the winsome roots rock-leaning “Tonight” sports a subtle Johnny Cash vibe, and “Partners in Crime” boasts psychedelic guitar bits and name checks David Bowie (Ness also pays subtle tribute to other idols like Lou Reed and Iggy & the Stooges on the fiery title track). Elsewhere, the band surprises with an edgy, compelling cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” (Ness’ falsetto is impressive), and Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) adds welcome piano work here and there. Information: epitaph.com

Red Rockers

It’s in Our Blood

Romeo Void

Live ’81-‘85

(Liberation Hall)

Alt-rock bands Red Rockers and Romeo Void both formed in 1979 and released debut albums with like-minded titles (Condition Red; It’s a Condition) two years later on seminal San Francisco indie label 415 Records that were overseen by producer David Kahne. New Orleans’ Red Rockers, fronted by singer/guitarist John Thomas Griffith, found inspiration in The Clash’s punk ethos. Northern California’s Romeo Void and no-holds-barred vocalist Debora Iyall (a Patti Smith acolyte), leaned more toward new wave with jazz touches.

It’s in Our Blood documents a powerful ’23 hometown reunion show, where Red Rockers sound raucous as ever while playing the entire album plus Who and Clash covers. Live ’81-‘85 comprises engaging performances over that span from America and the UK/Europe. Standouts include the college/modern rock radio/dance club hits “Never Say Never” and “A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing),” where Iyall’s sassiness and Benjamin Bossi’s wild sax work show why they were in a league all their own during the ‘80s. Each live title is available on LP, CD, digital; additionally, Red Rockers have a Blu-ray with two bonus tracks including its pop hit “China.” Romeo Void’s liner notes include lyrics and rare photos, while Red Rockers’ contain an essay. Information: liberationhall.com

Wang Chung Preps Deluxe Anniversary Edition of 'To Live and Die in L.A.,' Summer Tour with Howard Jones in July

Wang Chung have announced the 40th anniversary deluxe edition of their To Live and Die in L.A. soundtrack, arriving July 31 via Interscope Records. It was originally created at the personal request of director William Friedkin.

Pressed on Opaque Orange “L.A. Sunset” vinyl, the deluxe 2LP edition features newly remastered audio, rare bonus material, extended mixes, and two previously unreleased 1985 demos, “Joy” and “So Cold.” Fans can also look forward to an expanded digital edition of the soundtrack, expected to arrive soon and featuring additional tracks and more to be revealed.

The expanded collection also includes “Dance Hall Days” and “Wait” — both featured in the film — with “Dance Hall Days” appearing on the soundtrack for the very first time, alongside the commercial debut of the instrumental “This One’s for You, White Boy.”

“After a number of years searching for the right partner for this project, we are very proud to announce the release of a deluxe, remastered double vinyl 40th anniversary edition of the soundtrack to To Live and Die in L.A. on Interscope Records,” said Jack Hues and Nick Feldman of Wang Chung. “We’re sure the long wait has been worth it and that fans will appreciate this beautifully packaged release.”

Best known worldwide for hits including “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” and “Let’s Go,” Wang Chung continue to tour globally. This summer, the duo will also hit the road across North America as part of Howard Jones’ “Things Can Only Get Better Tour” alongside Howard Jones, The English Beat, Modern English, and host Richard Blade.

Track Listing

DISC 1: DELUXE SOUNDTRACK

SIDE A

1. To Live and Die in L.A. 4:54
2. City of the Angels 9:17
3. Lullaby 4:43
4. The Red Stare 3:11
5. Black – Blue – White 2:22

SIDE B

1. Every Big City 5:12
2. Dance Hall Days 4:01
3. This One's for You, White Boy 3:42
4. Wake Up Stop Dreaming 4:35
5. Wait 4:25

DISC 2: BONUS TRACKS

SIDE C

1. To Live and Die in L.A. (Extended Mix) 5:57
2. Wake Up, Stop Dreaming (Extended Version) 5:43
3. City of the Angels (Radio Version Edit) 4:00
4. City of the Angels - Nervous Mix (B-Side) 2:26

SIDE D

1. Wait (Extended Dance Remix) 8:06
2. Joy (TLADILA Demo) 3:18
3. So Cold (TLADILA Demo) 4:27
4. To Live and Die in L.A. (Instrumental) 4:49

Tour Dates:

July 19 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Summer Sessions at Meritage Resort
July 20 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
July 21 – Paso Robles, CA – Paso Robles Event Center
July 23 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
July 24 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
July 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
July 29 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
July 30 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
August 1 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Stir Cove
August 4 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater
August 5 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
August 7 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
August 8 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
August 11 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
August 12 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater
August 14 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Resort Spa & Casino
August 15 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
August 19 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues
August 20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
August 21 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
August 23 – Toronto, ON – The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium

Dexys Midnight Runners' new album arrives in September

Recently signed to Heavenly Recordings, Dexys Midnight Runners have announced their forthcoming album, LOVE, out on September 4. LOVE may mark the final chapter in Dexys Midnight Runners' journey. 

Their first release under the Dexys Midnight Runners name since 1985’s Don’t Stand Me Down after other albums under the shortened Dexys moniker, LOVE gathers stories spanning Kevin Rowland’s life - from his 2nd generation Irish childhood and family relationships to late-life romance, loss and reconciliation.

It was produced by Belfast musician/DJ David Holmes with Peter Schweir, long-time collaborators Sean Read, Mike Timothy, Jim Paterson and string arranger Brian Irving.

Pre-order LOVE HERE

Dexys Midnight Runners have also shared a video for "My Life In England Pt.1," the first single. Talking about the track, Kevin Rowland said:

"We put out a version of this song on a compilation album in 2003, but I felt we could improve on it. I wrote it a long time ago with Jim [Patterson], along with ‘My Life in England Pt. 2’. It’s all memories of my own experiences. Pete, that’s my brother. In my book [Bless Me Father], I changed his name to Pat. There’s quite a lot of overlap with the book in this one. We were in England dreaming of America: it was pre-Beatles, so it was Elvis, it was Sonny Liston, Cassius Clay, clothes, all of it was America. In the second verse, I’m remembering being in a social club listening to everyone singing Kevin Barry [a song about 18 year-old medical student and IRA soldier Kevin Barry, executed by the British government on 1st November, 1920] and my mum telling me ‘This song’s not allowed in England’. It was daytime, and all the curtains were drawn, everyone drinking, singing an illegal song. I remember thinking, Wow, yes, exciting! My childhood memories, I just wrote them down. You can’t really write on behalf of anybody else. Though I realised later that when I was growing up in north-west London, loads of the kids around there were second generation Irish. All obsessed with being up the front with the best clothes, with dancing to the new records."

Track Listing:

My Life In England Pt. 1
You’ve Got The Love
Once A Man, Twice a Child
You’re Alright
I Want To Be Holding You Next Christmas
I’ll Always Love You
Strange Feelin’
It’s Over Now
Old Love
My Life In England Pt. 2

Clairo Guests on Former Vampire Weekend Member Rostam's New Album 'American Stories' (Out Now)

photo: Matthew Weinberger

Grammy-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, and composer Rostam has shared the latest single for his new album American Stories out now via his own label, Matsor Projects.

“Back of a Truck” was co-written by Rostam and Tobias Jesso Jr. The track pulls together elements of Americana and the traditional Persian music of his upbringing with Amir Yaghmai on electric saz and Daniel Aged playing pedal steel throughout the instrumental.

The music video for “Back of a Truck” tells a queer love story set on a road trip from New York City to Provincetown, MA. The video stars Milo Cassidy and Offering Rain and was directed by Antony Muse. 

Rostam says of the track:

““Back of a Truck” is about that feeling of being reminded of someone you used to know; hearing that song on the radio—or maybe it’s the smell of laundry that brings you back, then smiling to yourself and wishing them well, choosing to remember it in a way that lets go of the bad and holds on to the good.

Musically I wanted to make a song that captures the feeling of driving through America with your windows down. Putting elements next to each other that I had not heard together before. Country pedal steel next to Middle Eastern microtonal melodies. It feels like the America I know, and for that reason, it’s the centerpiece of the new record.”

CLICK TO WATCH “BACK OF A TRUCK” MUSIC VIDEO

Rostam recently hosted advance screenings of American Stories: A Concert Film in Los Angeles and New York City. The film sees Rostam teaming with his six piece band and director Antony Muse for an 8-song live performance shot at the legendary Sound City Studio A where Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and countless others have recorded.

He brought in fellow Iranian-American Amir Yaghmai (The Voidz) on the album. 

“At some point in making this record I realized the album I wanted to make was one that reflected my identity as both Iranian and American. Pushing the most Iranian elements right up against the most American ones brought me a certain kind of joy. The first time I put microtonal saz melodies over Western guitar chords, I was thrown off by the way the two rubbed together. But the more I listened the more I became drawn to that rub. I became addicted to it.”

He was joined by Clairo on vocals (for “Hardy”), Yaghmai on saz, violin and guitar, Daniel Aged on upright bass and pedal steel, Paul Cartwright on violin, Gabe Noel on cello and upright bass, Hamilton Berry on cello, Henry Solomon on flute and clarinet and Andrew Tachine and Joey Messina-Doerning on drums. 

While it’s been five years since his last solo album, Rostam has been working consistently with other artists in that time frame, including earning GRAMMY nominations for his production work with Haim and producing for Georgia, Carly Rae Jepson, Santigold and Vagabon.

The album’s cover is the American flag presented upside down. Rostam discusses the intentionality behind this choice:

“The presentation of the flag upside down is something that the Left, the Right, and the Native American Land Back movement have all made use of. It’s a symbology that’s shared by all these groups and yet could mean different things to each of us. I’m interested in that conversation; that conversation is fundamentally American.”

Track listing:

Like a Spark
Back of a Truck
Different Light
Hardy (feat. Clairo)
Forgive Is To Know
To Feel No Way
The Road to Death
Come Apart
The Weight

North American Tour Dates:

May 27 San Diego, CA @ Music Box*
May 30 Los Angeles, CA @ The Ford#*
June 3 San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel*
June 5 Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club!
June 6 Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater!
June 7 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile!
June 9 Boise, ID @ Neurolux*
June 10 SLC, UT @ The State Room*
June 11 Denver, CO @ The Gothic Theater *
June 13 Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line KCMP/Electric Fetus*
June 14 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall*
June 15 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House*
June 17 Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair*
June18 New York, NY @ Webster Hall#*
June 19 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl*
June 20 Washington DC @ 9:30 Club!
June 22 Saxapahaw, NC @ Haw River Ballroom*
June 23 Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West*
June 24 Nashville, TN @ Basement East *
June 26 Austin, TX @ Mohawk*

# Zsela
* Henry Solomon
! Henry Solomon + Elori Saxl
^ Bad Actor