Choir Boy Get Pitiful on “Complainer,” Announce New Album Gathering Swans

Choir Boy have always been sarcastic. Their name is appropriated from an epithet frontman Adam Klopp was given as a child, while their sound has always toyed with ideas of sincerity in relation to being vulnerable. That’s exactly what the Dais Records synth-pop favorites are doing on “Complainer”—the group contends with the masculine taboo on whining, contrasting that in the pulpy video with Klopp participating in a back-alley fight club, weighed down by heavy metal chains.

Of the track, Klopp says it “marked a shift in lyrical tone from previous releases. While many of our earlier songs serve as flowery lamentations of loss and grief, ‘Complainer’ snarkily examines the self absorption of sadness … ‘Complainer’ multi-tasks as a pop song and a reminder to keep my privilege in check.” And what a sweeping examination it is—the track recalls the poppiest moments of Talk Talk and Flock of Seagulls, spackled with ironic angst and romantic synth.

The track also comes with an announcement of Choir Boy’s sophomore album Gathering Swans. The album is slated for a May 8 release. You can check out the video for “Complainer,” info on the album and Choir Boy’s upcoming tour dates below.

Gathering Swans Album Art:

Gathering Swans Tracklist:
01. It’s Over
02. Toxic Eye
03. Complainer
04. Nites Like This
05. St. Angela Merici
06. Sweet Candy
07. Shatter
08. Eat The Frog
09. Happy to be Bad
10. Gathering Swans

Choir Boy Tour Dates

April
21 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Blueberry Hill Duck Room #
22 – Little Rock, Ark. @ Vinos #
23 – Dallas, Texas @ Trees #
24 – Austin, Texas @ Mohawk #
25 – McAllen, Texas @ Semilla
26 – San Antonio, Texas @ Paper Tiger #
28 – Memphis, Tenn. @ The Hi Tone Cafe #
30 – Richmond, Va. @ The Camel (Tickets)

May
01 – Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat #
02 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Warsaw #
03 – New Haven, Conn. @ State House
05 – Toronto, Ont. @ Mod Club #
06 – Cleveland, Ohio @ Grog Shop #
07 – Ann Arbor, Mich. @ Blind Pig #
09 – Chicago, Ill. @ Thalia Hall #
10 – Des Moines, Iowa @ Vaudeville Mews

(# w/ Surf Curse)