Ted Leo Announces First Album In Six Years The Hanged Man For September 2017 Release

American rocker Ted Leo just announced a new project. On September 8, 2017, Leo will release his new album, The Hanged Man, making it his first since 2010’s The Brutalist Bricks, which was released under the name “Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.” We reached out to Leo’s camp to get a comment on the name change and whether or not Leo will be recording or performing under the former name anymore.

Representatives of the artist have indicated to us that while the short answer is “no,” fans shouldn’t worry too much yet. While Leo will be operating under solely his name, it’s not necessarily the end of his relationship with The Pharmacists. Leo will still be performing with a full band (which may include Pharmacist members) and “may play or record” with Pharmacists in the future.

The new album will be self-released by Leo, thanks in large part to a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, give will give significant background around the recording. While we mentioned that Leo will be playing with a  full band on tour, the new album is solely credited to Leo. Leo also dropped off the new cover art, which is from graphic novelist Emil Ferris.

The recording for The Hanged Man was recorded at a home studio in Wakesfield, RI. Leo played nearly all of the instruments. While the new album will promise familiar bursts of Leo’s pop-punk sound, they’re contrasted with a new sense of exploration and experimentation present in his music. When describing the new work, Leo said working on the album was a time of “personal desolation that felt fallow but was actually very fertile,” and while the new album can crush you under its weight at times, the new album is ultimately one of inspiration.

Leo also provides a new track “You’re Like Me.” The new track starts distorted and muted, with the guitar and Leo’s vocals turned down, like you’re hearing them outside of whatever venue he is playing at. That quickly changes as the track explodes with Leo’s lush vocals and some shredding guitar solos. Check out the new song and tracklist below.

The Hanged Man:

Moon Out of Phase
2. Used to Believe
3. Can’t Go Back
4. The Future
5. William Weld in the 21st Century
6. The Nazarene
7. Run to the City
8. Gray Havens
9. Make Me Feel Loved
10. The Little Smug Supper Club
11. Anthems of None
12. You’re Like Me
13. Lonsdale Avenue
14. Let’s Stay on the Moon