Paul Muldoon & Rogue Oliphant reveal new album easily seen from space with single…

Renowned poet Paul Muldoon has once again ventured into new territory, teaming up with the talented collective Rogue Oliphant to introduce Visible From Space, an innovative album that combines literary artistry with musical exploration. The latest single from the album, titled “Skin in the Game,” is now available for streaming worldwide, accompanied by an official lyric video.

With production by the iconic Tony Visconti, known for his work with music legends like David Bowie and T. Rex, and engineering by four-time GRAMMY® winner Kevin Killen, Visible From Space showcases Muldoon’s poetic brilliance in a fresh musical context. The album features an array of notable collaborators, including guitarist and vocalist Chris Harford, Warren Zanes, bassist Cáit O’Riordan, multi-instrumentalist David Mansfield, drummer Ray Kubian, and saxophonist Donny McCaslin.

Discussing the inspiration behind “Skin in the Game,” Muldoon elucidates, “I like to write what might be called rock’n’roll songs for grown-ups.” Harford adds his perspective, stating, “When one is given a lyric from Paul Muldoon to put music to, it forces one to wonder, do I in fact, have skin in the game? The challenge is finding the right rhythm, and here a slight shuffle, RnB-style approach felt appropriate.”

The launch of the single coincides with Muldoon and Rogue Oliphant’s upcoming live performances, including a record launch at Joe’s Pub in New York City, a WFUV Marquee show at The Bitter End, and an appearance at WXPN’s Free at Noon series in Philadelphia. Additionally, the band is set to take the stage as an official showcasing act at AmericanaFest in Nashville, where Muldoon will participate in a panel discussion focusing on the intersection of song and poetry.

For the members of Rogue Oliphant, collaborating with Muldoon is both challenging and rewarding. Bassist Cáit O’Riordan expresses her admiration for Muldoon’s work, highlighting the pleasure of delving into the wordplay of his lyrics. Multi-instrumentalist David Mansfield lauds Muldoon’s lyrical prowess, emphasizing the immediate musical inspiration that arises from his words.

Visible From Space marks the fourth studio album from Rogue Oliphant, following the success of their 2022 release, Highlights of the Low Life. The album delves into a diverse sonic landscape, from the dreamy “Rainstorm” to the expansive title track. Each song reflects Muldoon’s Irish literary roots while embracing modern musical genres, resulting in a rich tapestry of sound that is both cinematic and poignant.

Listeners can anticipate the official release of Visible From Space on September 12 via Soul Selects Records. The tracklist promises a captivating journey through Muldoon’s poetic vision, featuring a range of evocative songs such as “Rainstorm,” “Hit Machine,” and “Skin in the Game.”

Paul Muldoon’s remarkable career as a poet and educator has garnered international acclaim, with accolades including the Pulitzer Prize and the T. S. Eliot Prize. As the Howard G.B. Clark ’21 Chair in the Humanities at Princeton University, Muldoon continues to inspire audiences with his profound literary contributions.

With Visible From Space, Muldoon demonstrates his ability to seamlessly translate his linguistic mastery into an engaging musical experience. The album’s fusion of lyrical sophistication, inventive musicality, and top-tier collaboration promises a release that will resonate with aficionados of poetry, rock music, and anyone who values the transformative power of words in music.