Lou Barlow Announces 'Brace the Wave' Solo LP

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jul 22, 2015

Indie rock lifer Lou Barlow is taking a break from his regular duties in Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh to issue a new solo LP. Titled Brace the Wave, it's his first proper full-length solo offering since 2009, and it hits retailers September 4 via Joyful Noise.

A trailer for the record arrived today (July 22), and describes the collection as showcasing "nine songs without drums, without regrets." It's added that Brace the Wave takes a "back to basics" approach, and was recorded over a six-day span at Easthampton, MA's Sonelab studios with Justin Pizzoferrato. Barlow had previously worked with the producer on the last three Dinosaur Jr. albums.

Barlow said in a statement: "My ease with Justin meant I approached the sessions with focus and confidence."

The record is said to mix acoustic and electric tones, with "Redeemed," "Wave" and "Moving" finding Barlow using a down-tuned Ukulele. "Lazy" and "C+E" are folk-styled compositions cut live in the studio.

The last several years have seen Barlow reunite and put the focus back onto Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh. This is his first album on his own since 2009's Goodnight Unknown. The record came in the wake of Barlow moving back to Massachusetts after spending 17 years in Los Angeles. He describes the new record as "less fretful, still restless."

You'll find a few snippets of new music, footage of Barlow and Pizzoferrato, and the journey of an unidentified furball friend, down below.

Brace the Wave:

1. Redeemed
2. Nerve
3. Moving
4. Pulse
5. Wave
6. Lazy
7. Boundaries
8. C & E
9. Repeat

Tour dates:

09/08 Boston, MA - Great Scott
09/09 Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade
09/10 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
09/11 Washington, DC - DC9
09/22 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
09/23 San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brewing Co.
09/24 San Diego, CA - Casbah
09/25 Pioneertown, CA - Desert Stars
09/26 Costa Mesa, CA - Wayfarer

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