Bushwick locals and shoegazing sinners Widowspeak have outdone themselves with their new album, Almanac. The album was released last week and has already garnered praise across the universe for its nostalgic, Americana-infused rock feel.
Widowspeak are the recording duo of Molly Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas and have been gracing our presence with their understated tunes since 2011’s self-titled album, one of my personal favorites. They’ve rebounded from the soft, ephemeral sound of Widowspeak, which listening to felt like the gentle passing of a season. Their new album has a remarkable drive, more aggressive lyrics and guitar, and feels more like the passing of years and ideas gone by.
Apparently they spent their time dwelling in dark thoughts while recording and writing the new album. (Vague) concerns of the apocolypse, and the (skeptical but global nevertheless) fear that surrounded the end of 2012 trickled into their songwriting. Philosophical musings and cynical compositions shape the album into an intricate enigma, and are softly apparent on songs like Locusts, on which Hamilton croones, “When it ends, you’ll believe in it, the way it starts again.” Check the video below.
Check out the album on Spotify and Itunes. Widowspeak don’t play shows all that often, and just did an album release last week at Mercury Lounge in the city. However, lucky for US, they’re doing a special post-Valentine’s Day free show at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Vivian Girls on February 15. RSVP here.