Get ready to be transported to the world of alt-country with the upcoming release of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s eighth album, “Weathervanes”.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, GRAMMY honorees and giants of the alt-country scene, have made known their plans to drop Weathervanes, their eighth album, on June 9 via Spunk! Records/Virgin Australia. Helmed by Isbell himself, the LP boasts 13 fresh tracks, led by the newly-released Death Wish.
A record about the complexities of adulthood, Weathervanes tackles topics like the perils of nostalgia, the interrogation of myths, and the intersection of love and growth. Isbell, a true master of his craft, weaves his tales of fellow wanderers and their experiences into concise, four-minute epics that will both move you to tears and inspire you to sing along with strangers.
“There is something about boundaries on this record,” said Isbell. “As you mature, you still attempt to keep the ability to love somebody fully and completely while you’re growing into an adult and learning how to love yourself.” Death Wish embodies this message, tackling the weighty subject of loving someone who struggles with depression. With its intricate instrumentation and striking string section added by Sylvia Massy, the song feels both complex and resilient, much like the human condition itself.
“Oh and did you ever love a woman with a death wish
Something in her eyes like flipping off a light switch
Everybody dies but you gotta find a reason to carry on
Oh and did you ever catch her climbing on the rooftop
Higher than a kite, dead of winter in a tank top
I don’t wanna fight with you baby but I won’t leave you alone”
Recorded at Nashville’s illustrious Blackbird Studio, Weathervanes showcases the full power of Isbell’s backing band, the 400 Unit, which includes Derry deBorja on keyboards and accordion, Chad Gamble on drums, Jimbo Hart on bass, and Sadler Vaden on guitar. The album also features special guests like GRAMMY winner Amanda Shires on fiddle and background vocals, and acclaimed harmonica player Mickey Raphael on Strawberry Woman.
Isbell’s Weathervanes marks yet another triumph in a career full of them, further cementing his place as one of today’s most thoughtful and accomplished songwriters.
1. Death Wish
2. King of Oklahoma
3. Strawberry Woman
4. Middle Of The Morning
5. Save The World
6. If You Insist
7. Cast Iron Skillet
8. When We Were Close
9. Volunteer
10. Vestavia Hills
11. White Beretta
12. This Ain’t It
13. Miles
*All songs written and produced by Jason Isbell.
Additional production by Matt Pence on tracks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10.
Jason Isbell is touring: Bluesfest and side shows this April
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 | Sydney, Enmore Theatre
Thursday, April 6, 2023 | Melbourne, Palais Theatre
Saturday, April 8, 2023 | Byron Bay, Bluesfest
Sunday, April 9, 2023 | Byron Bay, Bluesfest
TICKETS ARE ON SALE HERE
