It’s been a relatively quiet year on the Big Thief front, with only Buck Meek releasing an album while the band has just put out its “Vampire Empire”/”Made For Loving You” 7″. That looks set to change in the new year as the band’s beloved vocalist Adrianne Lenker has promised that a new solo album is on its way early in 2024.
Today we don’t just get that tease, but we also get a new song called “Ruined” with a video by Adrianne’s brother Noah, and some tour dates.
“Ruined” sees a step change from Lenker’s last solo album as she puts aside the guitar in favour of a glacial piano underscored by a whispering synth. It’s the perfect instrument to relay her fragile, fawning state, where she displays herself openly and vulnerably to her lover: “Can’t get enough of you / You come around I’m ruined.” As she circles that central obsession her distinctive voice is filled with quivers and quirks that stem both from adoration and the discomfort that can be brought on by such a powerful feeling. It’s yet another simple but devastating diamond from Lenker.
Watch the video for “Ruined” below or find the track on streamers.
“Ruined” is out via 4AD. You can find Adrianne Lenker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Adrianne Lenker’s newly announced live dates are:
21 March – KNOXVILLE, TN, USA, Big Ears Festival
19 April – GALWAY, IRELAND, The Black Box*
20 April – KILKENNY, IRELAND, St. Canice’s Cathedral*
21 April – DUBLIN, IRELAND, Vicar Street*
24 April – GLASGOW, UK, Old Fruitmarket+
25 April – MANCHESTER, UK, The Hall at Aviva Studios+
27 April – LONDON, UK, Barbican Centre=
29 April – BRISTOL, UK, Bristol Beacon+
2 May – PARIS, FRANCE, Le Trianon+
3 May – BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Cirque Royale+
5 May – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, The Concertgebouw=
6 May – BERLIN, GERMANY, Admiralspalast=
7 May – HAMBURG, GERMANY, Kampnagel=
10 May – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, The Royal Danish Academy of Music=
11 May – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, Berns=
12 May – OSLO, NORWAY, Chateau Neuf=
* w/ Ellie O’Neill
+ w/ Nick Hakim
= w/ Twain
