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Michigan indie rocker Fred Thomas is set to release his latest solo effort, Aftering, on Sept. 14 via Polyvinyl. After releasing the album’s lead single, “Good Times Are Gone Again,” he’s just dropped another new cut, “Altar,” featuring guest vocals from Anna Burch.
“Altar” bursts with garage-pop hooks, and Thomas’ candid, conversational vocal style feels like he’s both inviting you into his thoughts with the utmost trust and performing an animated, poetic piece of social commentary to a packed-out bar. The song’s chorus is elating with the addition of Burch’s rapturous vocals, but Thomas’ verses reveal an underlying seriousness.
Thomas is also a member of indie-pop band Saturday Looks Good to Me and a former member of His Name Is Alive. Following the release of his critically lauded 2015 solo LP, All Are Saved, and last year’s Changer, his forthcoming album is being marketed as the final piece of his unofficial trilogy.
According to a press release, his new album’s nine tracks were modeled loosely after Neil Young’s On The Beach and along with Burch, it features a whole host of collaborators, with contributions from Thomas’ longtime friend and collaborator Elliot Bergman, as well as members of Bonny Doon, Common Holly, Deadbeat Beat, Wolf Eyes and more.
Listen to “Altar” and Thomas’ 2015 Daytrotter Session below. You can preorder Aftering here. Scroll down for Thomas’ upcoming tour dates.
Fred Thomas Tour Dates:
September
16 – Austin, Texas @ The Mohawk – Indoor + (SOLD OUT)
17 – Houston, Texas @ White Oak Music Hall – Upstairs +
19 – Detroit, Mich. @ Outer Limits Lounge
20 – Detroit, Mich. @ Third Man Records *
October
10 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ MOTR #
11 – Atlanta, Ga. @ The Earl #
13 – Asheville, N.C. @ Grey Eagle #
14 – Raleigh, N.C. @ Kings #
16 – Norfolk, Va. @ Charlie’s American Cafe #
17 – Washington, D.C. @ Songbyrd #
18 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Spirit Lodge#
19 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Boot & Saddle #
20 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Baby’s All Right #
21 – Portsmouth, N.H. @ Book & Bar #
23 – Montreal, Quebec @ La Vitrola #
24 – Toronto, Ontario @ Baby G #
25 – Ann Arbor, Mich. @ Blind Pig #
26 – Chicago, Ill. @ Empty Bottle #
November
30 – Seattle, Wash. @ Barboza +
December
01 – Portland, Ore. @ Mississippi Studios +
04 – Oakland, Calif. @ 1-2-3-4 GO!
05 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Hi Hat
(* w/ Kat Gardiner)
(# w/ Anna Burch and Common Holly)
(+ w/ Owen)