
(Earshot) Indie rock pioneers The Van Pelt has released "Grid," the final pre-release single ahead of its long-awaited fourth studio full-length, 'Artisans & Merchants,' set for release on March 17 via Spartan Records in North America, La Castanya in Europe/World and Gringo in the UK.
The band's first studio recording in over 25 years, was recorded and mixed in Summer / Fall 2021 by Jeff Zeigler (The War On Drugs, Kurt Vile) at Uniform Recording in Philadelphia, PA, and features guest appearances by Nate Kinsella and Ted Leo among others.
Reunion show soundchecks revealed that this band has a voice that was prematurely muted by their inability to see clearly in the thick of their rise.
More than two decades later, The Van Pelt has returned to explore what was left behind with a new collection of songs, 'Artisans & Merchants.' This is not a reunion album. This is vindication. For lovers of The Van Pelt, listening to 'Artisans & Merchants' is like hearing the voice of a dear friend you haven't seen in years -- a friend you used to share countless beers with over banter that went nowhere other than delivering a solid night. Your friend is older, they've changed. In some ways you're worried for them, looks like they might be teetering on the brink of something. In other ways, it's the same old them, a nugget of a soul too unique to ever be altered. It's for those unfamiliar with The Van Pelt though for whom we should be truly jealous. This is a stand-alone album, incredible vital songwriting in and of itself regardless of the long history this band has. The climax of the single "Image of Health" perhaps describes the beautiful desperation best: "And you never felt more alive / Than when the priest came to read you your rites!"
The Van Pelt Reveal New Single Grid
Road Trip: First Trip to Africa? Make it Kenya! (Part 1)
RockPile: Ultravox, Atomik Train, Soen and Mercyland
Cruise News: Nocona is Ready to Rock the Outlaw Country Cruise
Sites and Sounds: Gulf Coast Jam To Feature Post Malone, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and More
Watch Lamb Of God's 'Blunt Force Blues' Visualizer
Rob Zombie Delivers New Album 'The Great Satan'
Paul McCartney: Man on the Run Soundtrack Arrives
LOLO Previews New Album With 'The Punisher'
KillerStar, With Bowie Collaborators, Share New Single 'Rubicon'
Atreyu Announce New Album With 'All For You' Video
Avenged Sevenfold's Zachary Baker Previews Alt-Country Debut With 'Lighthouse'
Singled Out: P.J.M. Bond's Ponderosa Pine