Mitski reveals her sixth studio album 'Laurel Hell'

SPINS 2.8K

Estimated: reading

Welcome to Mitski’s Laurel Hell.

Set to be released on 4 February 2022 via Dead Oceans, the singer-songwriter’s sixth studio album is reportedly going to be “more uptempo and dance-y.”

BANDWAGON TV

In a press release, Mitski said: “I needed to create something that was also a pep talk… Like, it’s time, we’re going to dance through this.”

“Laurel Hell is a soundtrack for transformation, a map to the place where vulnerability and resilience, sorrow and delight, error and transcendence can all sit within our humanity, can all be seen as worthy of acknowledgment, and ultimately, love.”

Recorded with longtime producer Patrick Hyland, this will be the Japanese-American singer’s first full-length record since 2018’s monumental success that was, Be The Cowboy. It’s safe to say that Mitski’s indefinite hiatus is now over.

In addition to the announcement of Laurel Hell, Mitski has also premiered an apocalyptic music video for the second single off her new album: the synth-heavy ‘The Only Heartbreaker’ which was co-written by Dan Wilson.

Directed by Maegan Houang and Jeff Desom, the visual for the song was filmed almost entirely in front of a green screen and depicts Mitski prancing around in a burning forest before the world implodes into smithereens.

In a statement, Mitski notes that the track comes from the perspective of “the person always messing up in the relationship.” Indeed, the powerfully evocative imagery shown in the visual represents the crushing sadness of knowing that you’ve inflicted pain upon a loved one: “I also wanted to depict something sadder beneath the surface, that maybe the reason you’re always the one making mistakes is because you’re the only one trying.”

Mitski, who is certainly no stranger to confessional lyricism, has always been one for giving riveting performances. Take it from her live rendition of ‘Class of 2013’ at the NPR Tiny Desk set where she can be seen bellowing into her pulsating guitar.

If you miss the raw energy of Mitski’s shows, you’d definitely want to check out her 2022 tour in the US/UK/EU. Tickets are now available on her website.

Note: While most of these dates are now sold out, there is still a waitlist for certain shows—hopefully you’ll be able to snag a ticket for one of those.

TOUR

FEB 17, 2022

The Orange Peel

Asheville, NC

BANDWAGON TV

TOUR

Like what you read? Show our writer some love!

Subscribe to receive the latest news and offers directly in your inboxes

Sign in to Bandwagon