The Dears to Play Entire New Album During Residencies in Toronto, Montreal and Brooklyn

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jul 22, 2010

The Dears haven't yet given their upcoming album a title or release date, but the dramatic indie rockers are already getting set to unveil the whole thing live in concert. The band are planning a series of brief residencies in Montreal, Toronto and Brooklyn (eight shows in total), playing the new album all the way through.

At these shows, the band will be selling off old and rare merchandise, with all proceeds going to Montreal City Mission and War Child. The band said in a press release, "Some of the items are rare, might be the wrong size, while some things are out-of-print and may be sold at ridiculous prices. But this is not just about raising money. People hurt everywhere, all the time, and in so many ways. Essentially, this is what we sing about and sometimes singing just ain't enough. By taking some of this stuff off our hands, hopefully folks will remember who they're helping and why,"

As for the Dears' latest album, expect it to be released sometime in early 2011. It's being billed as "a welcome return to form for the band that won the adoration of countless critics and fans." We're guessing that means we're in for more of the cinematic grandeur of 2003's No Cities Left.

This time around, the Dears have had yet another lineup turnover, with frontman Murray Lightburn and keyboardist Natalia Yanchak remaining the only permanent members. Former guitarists Patrick Krief and Rob Benvie have reentered the fold, as has early bassist Roberto Arquilla. Drummer Jeff Luciani is the lone newcomer to the group.

The band's residency dates are below. Tickets for the Canadian shows go on sale tomorrow (July 23) at www.ticketweb.ca (Toronto) and www.etix.com (Montreal).

Residency dates:

9/29 Montreal, QC - Santa Cruz Church (Pop Montreal)
9/30 Montreal, QC - Santa Cruz Church (Pop Montreal)
10/1 Montreal, QC - Santa Cruz Church (Pop Montreal)
10/13 Toronto, ON - The Garrison
10/14 Toronto, ON - The Garrison
10/15 Toronto, ON - The Garrison
11/3 Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory
11/4 Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory

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