Just over a year ago, the world embraced the reunion of Pavement for a world tour that began here in Australia. Of course, no new material came as the result of that time, as expected, but now fans can take solace in the fact a new album from Stephen Malkmus album is on the way.
The news was announced on the Matador label’s website. The record, entitled Mirror Traffic, is due for release on August 23 and is produced by none other than Beck. It is is Malkmus’s fifth post-Pavement LP, whether operating solo or as Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. It is the first Malkmus release since 2008’s acclaimed and much-loved Real Emotional Trash.
Matador say, “Mirror Traffic makes a compelling case that after some 22 years in the public eye, Stephen Malkmus’ full range of musical and lyrical capabilities had yet to be previously explored. The casual virtuosity (and staggering guitar invention) won’t necessarily come as a shock, nor will the rapier wit of one of contemporary rock’s brightest minds. But without dissing prior works that we deeply love, we can promise that Mirror Traffic is the album that ties together Stephen’s skill-set like none of its predecessors.”
In addition, this will be the last album where Malkmus works with drummer Janet Weiss. Jake Morris of The Joggers will sit on the drum stool for upcoming shows, as Weiss is off to play with Wild Flag alongside former Sleater-Kinney bandmate Carrie Brownstein.
Malkmus last toured Australia in 2009. Perhaps he’ll come back with the new album.
