Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat

Danish alternative rock trio Mew have announced their seventh studio album Visuals. The record will be released on April 28, 2017 on Play It Again Sam (PIAS). In addition to the new LP, the band has announced several live dates in Europe in support of the release. The record is the first from the band to not feature guitarist Bo Madsen, who left the band in 2015.

While the band has typically waited several years between releases – ranging between three and four years – Visuals comes just two years after the release of + – in 2015. It is a little hard to believe, but the band is now in the 20th year of existence. While there has been a bit of shuffling of the lineup in the past, this album will feature the core members Jonas Bjerre (lead vocals), Johan Wohlert (bass) and Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen (drums).

As Bjerre explains the creation of the album, Mew fans should brace themselves for one of the most creative albums from the band – he describes the writing process of the album as “breaking the normal cycle.” This is a major reason for the decision to release the album after only two years instead of the typical three to four the band had grown accustomed to; the group wanted to capitalize on the energy and momentum of a world tour. The album was apparently written during the touring cycle for + –, a time that is described as the singer/guitarist as the band’s “creative peak.”

The record was recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the band serving as the producers. Lyrically, expect an album that is in line with the times. “It was pretty dark last year on many levels, so lyrically that definitely came into play, it’s an important reminder to treasure the here and now.”

The first single from the album is “Carry Me To Safety,” which is the closer of Visuals. Check out the prog-inflected cut below:

Nothingness and No Regrets
The Wake Of Your Life
Candy Pieces All Smeared Out
In A Better Place
Ay Ay Ay
Learn Our Crystals
Twist Quest
Shoulders
Videos
Zanzibar
Carry Me To Safety

Mew Spring 2017 Tour

05/17  Paradiso  – Amsterdam, Netherlands
05/19  Point Ephemere – Paris, France
05/20  Trix – Antwerp, Belgium
05/21  Trinity – Bristol, UK
05/22  O2 Ritz – Manchester, UK
05/23  Shepherds Bush Empire – London, UK
05/25  Luxor – Köln, Germany
05/26  Knust – Hamburg, Germany
05/27  Immergut Festival – Neutrelitz, Germany