Nathan Lawr's experimental Canadian collective Minotaurs delivered Weird Waves just last year, but the band are already set to issue their next album. Titled AUM, the new record will arrive on May 26.
Described in a press release as an "apocalyptic psychedelic afro-folk epic," AUM was largely inspired by the group's collaboration with Stuart Bogie of Brooklyn's Antibalas. In addition to the outside influence, though, the new music also hears Minotaurs getting introspective and taking a closer look at the "spiritual journey" that is the process of making music.
"It all comes back to that essential idea: 'Art may not change anything,'" Lawr explained in a statement. "But it can act as a vessel for an idea, and ensure that certain ideas never die. Why do authoritarian regimes destroy the art first? Because they know that it will inspire people to think. And change happens when people start thinking."
The first sampling of the new album has arrived with "I'll Keep Your Shit with Mine," which features guest vocals from Sarah Harmer. It's an entrancing blend of complex rhythms, psychedelic sounds and layers of rich vocal harmonies.
"The song is probably the truest I've ever been in my lyrics," Lawr tells Exclaim! "It's me grappling with the creeping dehumanization of the modern world. I see this happening and it makes me afraid for the future, yet my instinct is to remain hopeful and to continue to see the best in people, which, more than ever, feels like a revolutionary act. The song is an anthem for keeping that connection, with everyone, even, and perhaps especially, those I haven't met."
Hear it for yourself down below. Just scroll past Minotaurs' upcoming live dates and hit play to give "I'll Keep Your Shit with Mine" a spin.
Tour dates:
05/19 Toronto, ON - TBA
05/20 Guelph, ON - TBA
06/02 Hamilton, ON - TBA
06/03 Sudbury, ON - TBA
03/24 Kingston, ON -TBA
Described in a press release as an "apocalyptic psychedelic afro-folk epic," AUM was largely inspired by the group's collaboration with Stuart Bogie of Brooklyn's Antibalas. In addition to the outside influence, though, the new music also hears Minotaurs getting introspective and taking a closer look at the "spiritual journey" that is the process of making music.
"It all comes back to that essential idea: 'Art may not change anything,'" Lawr explained in a statement. "But it can act as a vessel for an idea, and ensure that certain ideas never die. Why do authoritarian regimes destroy the art first? Because they know that it will inspire people to think. And change happens when people start thinking."
The first sampling of the new album has arrived with "I'll Keep Your Shit with Mine," which features guest vocals from Sarah Harmer. It's an entrancing blend of complex rhythms, psychedelic sounds and layers of rich vocal harmonies.
"The song is probably the truest I've ever been in my lyrics," Lawr tells Exclaim! "It's me grappling with the creeping dehumanization of the modern world. I see this happening and it makes me afraid for the future, yet my instinct is to remain hopeful and to continue to see the best in people, which, more than ever, feels like a revolutionary act. The song is an anthem for keeping that connection, with everyone, even, and perhaps especially, those I haven't met."
Hear it for yourself down below. Just scroll past Minotaurs' upcoming live dates and hit play to give "I'll Keep Your Shit with Mine" a spin.
Tour dates:
05/19 Toronto, ON - TBA
05/20 Guelph, ON - TBA
06/02 Hamilton, ON - TBA
06/03 Sudbury, ON - TBA
03/24 Kingston, ON -TBA
