Returning Americana mavericks The Low Anthem are streaming their new album 'Smart Flesh'.
Americana comes with a template. Gently strummed acoustic guitars, possibly a banjo and earnest lyrics with themes which pre-date rock 'n' roll. However The Low Anthem are busy gleefully ripping down these preconceptions.
Debut album 'Oh My God, Charlie Darwin' was definitely influenced by Americana but seemed to come at things from a different angles. Buoyed by this success, The Low Anthem have cut loose on their second album.
Out now, 'Smart Flesh' is a deeply experimental affair. The band used a portable studio, setting up equipment in a run down factory basement. Amongst the instruments used on the record include a musical saw, three antique pump organs (restored by the band) and a sonic scheme to re-amp noise through various chambers of the factory.
“We knew right away when we stepped into the factory that the space was really the main instrument for the whole record” explains Ben Knox Miller. “The resonance was chilling. We were able to experiment with new recording techniques to capture the sound at different distances. Mics 100-200 feet away caught the sound barrelling across the room.”
The new album has been warmly received by critics, with fans eager to hear what the fuss is a about. As a special preview, The Low Anthem have decided to stream 'Smart Flesh' for free.
Containing all eleven tracks, you can listen to 'Smart Flesh' below...
The Low Anthem - Smart Flesh by Bella Union