Alt-J Follow Teaser with Album Announcement, Release of New Song “3WW”

After teasing a new single on Friday, alt-J have officially released “3WW,” which is the first single off their now-confirmed third album, Relaxer. The band noted in a post on their Facebook page that they had given themselves some time off last year after they finished touring in support of 2014’s This Is All Yours, but reconvened in the studio in August to begin recording.

As a lead single, “3WW” is an interesting choice. It burns slowly over its five-minute run time, blending some elements of English folk music with alt-J’s usual penchant for the slightly weird. It pulsates and drones almost hypnotically, with interspersed synths, piano and strings accompanying a simple acoustic guitar and percussion. While it may not seem like the obvious pick for a first track, it’s certainly strong enough to have us interested in what else is to come on the album.

The band has also announced a short run of U.S. dates this summer, which include a previously announced performance at Panorama Festival in New York City. Find those dates below, along with a visualizer for “3WW.” Relaxer is out June 9, and available for preorder here.

alt-J Tour Dates:

July
27 – Columbia, Md. @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
28 – Boston, Mass. @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
29 – New York, N.Y. @ Panorama Music Festival

August
01 – Cleveland, Ohio @ Jacobs Pavilion
03 – Kansas City, Mo. @ Starlight Theatre
04 – St. Charles, La. @ Hinterland Music Festival
07 – Morrison, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
09 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Shrine Auditorium