Keaton Henson's debut album, Dear…, was originally self-released in 2010, but the 24-year-old English singer-songwriter will have label support for the unveiling of his sophomore effort. He has signed with Anti- for the North American release of Birthdays on April 9. This will follow the album's UK release on February 25 through Oak Ten Records.
The album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (the White Stripes, the Strokes, the Shins). It reportedly finds Henson further exploring the confessional sound of his debut while also experimenting with new styles. A press release notes, "The new album uses Dear... as its starting point, with many tracks carrying on the stark sound Henson developed on his debut. But there are also some more ambitious band arrangements that close out the album, along with a sly humour that creeps into the lyrics."
Sonic touchstones for his balladic work include Nick Drake and Tim Buckley, while some of the full-band tracks are said to recall Modest Mouse and the Pixies. The balladeer influences rise to the top on the single "Sweetheart, What Have You Done to Us," the video for which you can watch below. Another hushed ballad, "Lying to You," is also streaming below.
Birthdays:
1. Teach Me
2. 10am Gare du Nord
3. You
4. Lying to You
5. The Best Today
6. Don't Swim
7. Kronos
8. Beekeeper
9. Sweetheart, What Have You Done to Us
10. In the Morning
The album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (the White Stripes, the Strokes, the Shins). It reportedly finds Henson further exploring the confessional sound of his debut while also experimenting with new styles. A press release notes, "The new album uses Dear... as its starting point, with many tracks carrying on the stark sound Henson developed on his debut. But there are also some more ambitious band arrangements that close out the album, along with a sly humour that creeps into the lyrics."
Sonic touchstones for his balladic work include Nick Drake and Tim Buckley, while some of the full-band tracks are said to recall Modest Mouse and the Pixies. The balladeer influences rise to the top on the single "Sweetheart, What Have You Done to Us," the video for which you can watch below. Another hushed ballad, "Lying to You," is also streaming below.
Birthdays:
1. Teach Me
2. 10am Gare du Nord
3. You
4. Lying to You
5. The Best Today
6. Don't Swim
7. Kronos
8. Beekeeper
9. Sweetheart, What Have You Done to Us
10. In the Morning