Sufjan Stevens Announces New Album ‘Javelin’
Set to release on 6 October via Asthmatic Kitty Records.
Hold onto your heartstrings, Sufjan Stevens, the enigmatic musical storyteller, has announced his 13th studio album Javelin. Slated for release on the 6th of October via the brilliant Asthmatic Kitty Records. But wait, there's more! As a taste of what's to come, Stevens is gifting us the lead single 'So You Are Tired' a poignant introduction to his latest record.
Sufjan Stevens is a name synonymous with musical brilliance, and Javelin is his latest canvas on which he's painting an intricate masterpiece. This marks his solo return since the soul-stirring 2020 album The Ascension and his re-emergence as a full-throttle singer-songwriter, harking back to his ethereal 2015 release, Carrie & Lowell. With Javelin, Stevens isn't just giving us songs; he's inviting us into his very essence, an amalgamation of his 25-year sonic expedition.
The heart of Javelin pulsates with a harmonious fusion of grandeur and vulnerability. Each of its 10 tracks is a universe in itself, a microcosm of choral symphonies, orchestral crescendos, and electric pulsations. As you immerse yourself in the tapestry of sound, you'll journey through the musical epochs of Stevens' career, a chronicle of his artistic maturation.
Unlike his previous work, such as the poignant The Ascension, which engaged with the tumultuous present through electronic soundscapes, Javelin initiates an intimate dialogue. It's like a self-portrait, candid and intricate. It resonates with the spirit of albums like Seven Swans and Carrie & Lowell, beckoning listeners to share in its inner contemplation.
The lead single 'So You Are Tired' serves as a soul-baring introduction to Javelin’s emotional realm. Picture a gentle piano cradling you, while layers of guitar and percussion envelop you in a melancholic embrace. Stevens' voice, both comforting and haunting, whispers, "So you are tired of us / So rest your head" as if inviting you to confide in the song's poignant tale of hurt and hope.
As a personal touch, Stevens has curated a 48-page book of art and essays. Dive into his world through meticulously crafted collages, whimsical puff-paint word clouds, and vibrant color fields. These visuals, coupled with 10 evocative essays, provide glimpses into the tapestry of loves and losses that have woven Stevens' artistic journey and the very fabric of these songs.
Sufjan Stevens is about to take us on an intimate voyage through his artistic soul. As the release date approaches, let's cherish the anticipation and prepare to unravel the layers of Javelin, a testament to the enduring brilliance of a musical maestro.
Pre-order Javelin here.
