In the latest twist of his musical odyssey, Kurt Vile, the maestro of indie rock’s more surreal and psychedelic avenues, beckons us into his unique universe with his newest EP, ‘Back to Moon Beach.’ Released on November 17th under Verve, this EP blurs the traditional boundaries of a conventional extended play, stretching just shy of an hour. It’s an eclectic mixtape of new creations, reimagined favourites, and covers, showcasing Vile’s bottomless pit of creativity.
The lead single, “Another good year for the roses,” is a testament to Vile’s genius, blending a hypnotic piano melody with a laid-back psychedelic vibe. Co-produced with Cate Le Bon and featuring Stella Mozgawa, it’s a track that encapsulates the essence of Vile’s distinctive sound. The accompanying video, featuring actors Kevin Corrigan and Michael Shannon, sets an equally surreal tone, fitting for Vile’s artistic vision.
‘Back to Moon Beach’ offers a deep dive into Vile’s artistry over recent years. Recorded in various sessions, it represents a broad spectrum of his musical influences and collaborations. The core tracks of the EP were conceived at Panoramic Studios in Stinson Beach, California, in the company of Rob Laakso, Stella Mozgawa, and Chris Cohen, with Cate Le Bon’s co-production touch evident on several tracks.
This collection also serves as a poignant tribute to Vile’s late collaborator, Rob Laakso, featuring some of their final unreleased recordings together. Adding a personal touch, the EP includes Vile’s covers of Wilco’s “Passenger Side” and Bob Dylan’s “Must Be Santa,” the latter featuring vocals from his daughters Awilda and Delphine.
To bring this eclectic mix to life on stage, Vile embarks on a 2024 North American tour, gracing venues from Baltimore to New Orleans, and making a special appearance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN. This tour promises to be an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Vile’s musical landscape.
‘Back to Moon Beach’ is more than just an EP; it’s a kaleidoscopic journey through the mind of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures. It’s an invitation to explore the depths of Vile’s musical world, filled with introspective lyrics, experimental sounds, and a sense of wonder that only he can conjure.
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
