After taking 2011 off from releasing new music, Matthew Dear has announced an upcoming EP to be followed by his fifth full-length, titled Beams, sometime later in 2012. The EP, Headcage, will be released on January 17 by Ghostly International and finds Dear exploring a slightly brighter sonic palette than on his 2010 release, Black City (TMT Review). This turn toward the light could be attributed to Dear’s newfound interest in collaboration. In addition to bringing on co-producers Van Rivers and The Subliminal Kid, notable for their work with Fever Ray, Glasser, and Blonde Redhead, Dear also partakes in his first-ever duet with The Drums frontman Jonny Pierce.
In preparation for the EP release, the title track has been paired with a video of swirling, abstract landscapes courtesy of London-based director Morgan Beringer that accurately captures its frenetic, tribal energy. Dear chants, “I don’t want a new life” as the track slinks forward through a hazy digital jungle. This isn’t exactly new territory for Dear, but a continued evolution of the sound he’s been crafting since 2007’s Asa Breed that is very welcome.
Can’t wait until the EP comes out and need more Matthew Dear now? Well, if you live in Australia or New Zealand (where they certainly know how to name a music venue), you’re in luck, as Dear will be doing a short stint of DJ sets down under early next year.
Headcage tracklist:
01. Headcage
02. In the Middle (I Met You There) (feat. Jonny Pierce)
03. Street Song
04. Around a Fountain
Tourdates:
01.20.12 - Perth, Australia - Likes of You (DJ SET)
01.21.12 - Brisbane, Australia - Bar Some (DJ SET)
01.22.12 - Wellington, New Zealand - Sandwiches (DJ SET)
01.25.12 - Melbourne, Australia - Novel (DJ SET)
01.26.12 - Sydney, Australia - Agwa Yacht Club (DJ SET)
• Matthew Dear: http://matthewdear.com
• Ghostly International: http://ghostly.com
