Longtime indie icon Stephen Malkmus is ready to release some new music, but it might not be what you were expecting. If you were hoping that last year's Pavement reunion would find the smug one penning some slacker anthems with his old pals, then we're afraid to say that isn't happening, yet. On the bright side, the rocker is returning with his other familiar cast and crew, the Jicks.
Malkmus and co. are heading back our way this summer with their fifth post-Pavement set, Mirror Traffic. Produced by Beck Hansen, the disc apparently "ties together Stephen's skill set like none of its predecessors," from his "casual virtuosity (and staggering guitar invention)" to his "rapier wit," according to the press release.
A tracklisting has yet to appear, but we can likely expect a continuation of the Jicks' classic-rock-infused indie pop and Malkmus's familiar wordplay. While it hasn't been loosed yet, the press release promises an MP3 of the title track in the near future.
Unfortunately, while the announcement of Malkmus's album should be a cause for celebration, some sad news comes along with it. The statement confirms that this will be the last Jicks album featuring Janet Weiss on drums. While it doesn't pinpoint the specifics, we're guessing the ex-Sleater-Kinney star's new supergroup Wild Flag are keeping her super busy. Weiss will be replaced by Joggers drummer Jakes Morris.
Matador will release Mirror Traffic on August 23.
Malkmus and co. are heading back our way this summer with their fifth post-Pavement set, Mirror Traffic. Produced by Beck Hansen, the disc apparently "ties together Stephen's skill set like none of its predecessors," from his "casual virtuosity (and staggering guitar invention)" to his "rapier wit," according to the press release.
A tracklisting has yet to appear, but we can likely expect a continuation of the Jicks' classic-rock-infused indie pop and Malkmus's familiar wordplay. While it hasn't been loosed yet, the press release promises an MP3 of the title track in the near future.
Unfortunately, while the announcement of Malkmus's album should be a cause for celebration, some sad news comes along with it. The statement confirms that this will be the last Jicks album featuring Janet Weiss on drums. While it doesn't pinpoint the specifics, we're guessing the ex-Sleater-Kinney star's new supergroup Wild Flag are keeping her super busy. Weiss will be replaced by Joggers drummer Jakes Morris.
Matador will release Mirror Traffic on August 23.
