The Fresh & Onlys Soothsayer

San Francisco’s Fresh & Onlys are back, following up 2012?s stunning Long Slow Dance with Soothsayer, a special digital and 12? vinyl installment release. Featuring six brand new tracks that are heavy on the pop-side, the Onlys reconfirm their effortless songwriting panache and renowned stylistic flexibility – shifting from driving, anthemic choruses to down-home folk with absolute comfort and ease.

From the opening title-track, with its jaunty bridge and studied ’60s pop sensibility, it’s clear that the band are still masters of the (deceptively) simple melody. “God of Suez” is a swaying, beach-ready boogie, with a charming Mamas & Papas guitar lick, whilst “Forest Down Annie”‘s slow, reverent pace and psychedelic guitar flourishes harken back to the group’s gloomier earlier releases. Closer “Deluge of War” boasts a soaring, harmonic chorus – finishing up Soothsayer on a high.

“Strong”, “solid” or “dependable” might not be the most buzz-worthy words in the current musical zeitgeist, but in an age where so many bands are masking songs with muddied production and studio trickery, it’s refreshing to hear some truly great songwriting and musicianship shine through.

Soothsayer will be released in three installments to subscribers – with a pair of tracks released fortnightly from August 13, culminating in the physical release on 12? wax which will be out September 24 in time for the band’s US tour.

When you pre-order the Soothsayer 12" EP, you will also be emailed a digital download code (on August 13th) to redeem the MP3's ahead of street date. The MP3's will be released in three installments, every two weeks beginning with the eponymous "Soothsayer" and "God of Suez".

The EP will ship near release date, 9.24.13.

Side A:
Soothsayer
God of Suez
Forest Down Annie

Side B:
Glass Bottom Boat
Drugs
The Deluge of War