On January 14 we’ll be releasing Fade, the new studio album from Yo La Tengo. Recorded with John McEntire at Soma Studios Electronic Studios in Chicago, Fade is reminiscent of landmarks like 1997‘s I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One and 2000’s And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out, but there’s no shortage of moments that stand far apart from anything the trio have done previously. The 10 song collection, arguably the most focused and cohesive output from Ira, Georgia and James to date, is a tapestry of fine melody and elegant noise, rhythmic shadowplay and shy-eyed orchestral beauty, songcraft and experimentation.
Fade‘s lyrical themes of aging, tragedy and emotional bonds are woven into a fully-realized whole; the results are direct, personal are more than a little uplifting.