Mount Sharp is back. With their first release in five years, it’s like they never left. The new LP, That Shadow, is due out on February 21 via Dadstache Records. Today, they have shared their new single, “Sometimes I Know,” with a video that shows the band getting ready to play: they’re petting cats, riding bikes, catching subways and all coming together to do what they do best. The band will be bringing their live show to Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, February 22 for a release show at The Gutter and will be visiting Portland, ME on March 21 for a show at SPACE Gallery.
With it’s driving, upbeat sound, the new song is about powering through but it’s also about avoidance and it’s directed at the narrator’s partner. Songwriter Swood says, “‘Sometimes I Know” is a surf pop earworm in disguise. A catchy, melodically bright and darkly honest trip through self medicating for depression.” Their lyrics tell it best: “I know (sometimes I know) you’re still here / logically you must still love me / I don’t miss any of the time that I could fill up with all of the thoughts in my head.”
The first taste of the new record came with first single, “Apostate.” Post-Trash, who premiered the video, says, “Our first taste of the band’s long-awaited new music comes in the form of “Apostate,” a song that pulls from the band’s more serene end, a dreamy song to melt away to during this heat wave. Built on a resonant twang and a pulsating rhythm, the song breathes at a natural clip, drawing between a soft intimacy and a thick fuzzy build up by the bridge. There’s a syrupy quality to the vocals that stick with you after the song has ended, and while you may not instantly remember the lyrics, the melody is now part of consciousness, like a distant memory that repeats in your mind.”
Brooklyn Vegan, says, “It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from Mount Sharp, the band led by singer-songwriter Sarah Wood.” The reason for that is hiatus is nothing sad, and it’s surely not creative difference. Starting a family can take time and energy, but music always has a way of following those who make it.
That Shadow follows, too. It’s full of sticky melodies, lyrics that cut, and surging waves of noise. It’s designed to get under the skin. Inspired by years of watching all the assholes they know win, figuring out how to be kinder to themselves, and all the beautiful and tragic machines in space, the band says the record is everything that pulls them to look behind themselves. They believe we should be looking up and dreaming.
Grounded by vivid, striking (and often deeply nerdy, see: odes to Carl Sagan in Voyagers I & II) storytelling & lyrics, the album radiates with anxiety, longing, and battered hope.
All tracks were produced by Brian Sendrowitz (of Beat Radio) at Miracle Flag in Bellmore, NY, mastered by Sarah Register (of Talk Normal, credits include Protomartyr, Caroline Rose, Chastity Belt, Big Thief, Lower Dens, and Big Ups), and with artwork using images of textile artist Jenna Breiter’s work, including an original illustration for the LP cover.