Independent Release: Sunset Rubdown releases "Candles", ahead of their new album "Always Happy to Explode"

 Sunset Rubdown’ have released the upbeat “Candles” ,which is taken from their latest album Always Happy To Explode via Krug’s label, Pronounced Kroog, on September 20th, 2024. Originally written in 2020, frontman Spencer Krug posted the track to his Patreon page as part of his song-a-month collection, “Candles” initially flew under the radar for both Krug and subscribers alike. It started as a fun experiment in crafting a pop song, blending metaphors and abstraction to tackle the sombre theme of aging and navigating a music industry that has become increasingly driven by streaming and social media metrics, a stark contrast to the industry’s earlier days.  At the time, Krug felt this juxtaposition was unusual enough to keep  in his unreleased collection. 

Three years later, the newly reunited Sunset Rubdown discovered the song and unanimously agreed that the song should be published. The band worked together to arrange a full-band version, featuring Camilla-Wynne on keyboards and vocals, Nicholas Merz on bass, Jordan Robson-Cramer on drums and percussion, and Krug on synth, vocals, and piano “Candles” was one of the most enjoyable songs to record for Always Happy To Explode, with the whole band grooving and nodding along in the control room as they listened back to what they’d done with it. Click here to watch the video:

   

During the recording of the new album, the band experienced some difficulties however, writing and recording together posed some problems: such members lived in over two countries, They decided to meet at Krug’s house on Vancouver Island to spend two weeks arranging and rehearsing, then decamp to an even smaller island, Gabriola, to record at a studio called The Noise Floor, under the guidance of producer/engineer Jordan Koop (Krug’s now frequent collaborator.) Unfortunately, guitarist Michael Doerksen was unable to join this time around. The band thought a replacement seemed unfathomable, so they decided to make a Sunset Rubdown record that has, for the most part, no electric guitar

Next, Drummer Robson-Cramer tested positive for Covid upon arriving on the island, forcing him into isolation. Thus, he was over a week late to the band's limited two weeks of jam time, they had no running water for eleven days and (at peak) six adults and two toddlers in the house. At one point Merz said, “No thanks!” and disappeared for a few days, with the band not 100% on him necessarily returning. But perhaps it was all for the best. The band ultimately arrived at the recording studio with an album that revealed itself as wanting to be a little rawer, a little more like four people acquainting and reacquainting with each other in real-time, only to discover that they are very much a band. Recorded mostly live, Being a band is no easy feat, perhaps especially as members age and spread across the continent, but it is a privilege. With Always Happy to Explode, Sunset Rubdown has made something that reflects their gratitude and energy.

The new record is composed of nine songs cherry-picked from demos that Krug has been posting to his Patreon page over recent years, with the songs in many cases being pared down from their previous recordings. Multi-instrumentalist Robson-Cramer mostly sticks to drums, Merz is on bass, and Wynne plays keyboard and Q~chord. Krug alternates between piano, synth and guitar to the tune of three songs apiece. And for the first time, the album features vocals from every member, with all four singing together on the penultimate track, “Worm.”

 Krug thanked fans for making this release possible "Thank you to everyone following me on Patreon, for providing an encouraging place for me to demo these songs, and for your support, without which this album would likely not have been made". Xo-sk




Purchase Sunset Rubdown Merch & Music

https://pronouncedkroog.com/collections/all/products/sunset-rubdown-always-happy-to-explode

Sunset Rubdown is a Canadian art rock band from Montreal, initially a solo project by Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade in 2005. The band soon expanded to include Camilla Wynne, Jordan Robson-Cramer, and Michael Doerksen. Known for their surreal, mythological lyrics and unique musical compositions, they released acclaimed albums such as "Shut Up I Am Dreaming" (2006) and "Dragonslayer" (2009), both of which earned Pitchfork's "Best New Music" distinction. Following their disbandment in 2009, Sunset Rubdown reunited in 2022, announcing a new album, Always Happy To Explode, set for release on September 20th, 2024. The current lineup features Spencer Krug, Camilla Wynne, Nic Merz, and Jordan Robson-Cramer.

D I S C O V E R

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetrubdown/

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kmq4NmMAD2EB24v6Il3qr

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUCXXuz-Hb9WXD9iT1jZWw




SUNSET RUBDOWN ON TOUR




10/10/24 Thu Vancouver BC Rickshaw Theatre

10/11/24 Fri Seattle WA Crocodile

10/12/24 Sat Portland OR Wonder Ballroom

10/14/24 Mon San Francisco CA Bimbo's

10/15/24 Tue Los Angeles CA Teragram Ballroom

10/16/24 Wed Tucson AZ 191 Toole

10/18/24 Fri Austin TX The Parish

10/19/24 Sat Dallas TX Club Dada

10/20/24 Sun Baton Rouge LA Chelsea's

10/21/24 Mon Atlanta GA Terminal West

10/22/24 Tue Durham NC Motorco Music Hall

10/23/24 Wed Washington DC Black Cat

10/24/24 Thu Philadelphia PA First Unitarian Church

10/25/24 Fri Catskills NY Glen Falls House

10/26/24 Sat Northampton MA Iron Horse Music Hall

10/27/24 Sun New York NY Irving Plaza

10/29/24 Tue Montreal QC La Tulipe

10/30/24 Wed Toronto ON Concert Hall