Crooked Fingers reveal upcoming album ‘Swet Deth’ featuring “Cold Waves” with Mac McCaughan

After a lengthy hiatus, Eric Bachmann is finally returning with a new Crooked Fingers album titled Swet Deth, marking his first release under this moniker in almost 15 years. This record follows his 2011 album Breaks In The Armor, and the lead single “Cold Waves” is already out in anticipation of the full album’s release in February.

The concept behind Swet Deth has an intriguing origin story. Bachmann’s son came home from school one day with a series of dark drawings he had created, featuring crows, ominous figures with scythes, and tombstones. In the center of one drawing was a vibrant green tree surrounded by red and black, with the words “DETH, SWET DETH” scrawled across it. This vision served as the inspiration for the album’s cover art, reflecting a blend of the inevitability of death with the sweetness found in life experiences that lead up to it.

Although Bachmann initially intended for Swet Deth to be a solo project, he soon realized that the songs required additional support. He brought in Jeremy Wheatley, a seasoned indie rock drummer, to collaborate on the album. Furthermore, listeners can expect guest vocal appearances from renowned artists such as Sharon Van Etten, Matt Berninger of The National, Mac McCaughan of Superchunk, Bachmann’s wife Liz Durrett, and other notable industry figures.

One standout track from Swet Deth is “Cold Waves,” where Mac McCaughan shares co-lead vocals with Bachmann. The song merges elements of classic rock ‘n’ roll with power pop, exhibiting a catchy melody against poignant lyrics depicting heartbreak and emotional turmoil. Lines like “Like an ice age – Frozen cold in time / And I can’t get warm enough” encapsulate the raw emotion conveyed in the music.

In addition to “Cold Waves,” the album features a diverse range of tracks that showcase Bachmann’s musical versatility. From the reflective “From All Ways” to the energetic “Spray Tan Speed Queen (In A German Car)” and the haunting “Haunted,” each song on Swet Deth offers a unique perspective on life, love, and loss. The full tracklist includes a total of ten songs that collectively form a cohesive and impactful listening experience.

Swet Deth is scheduled for release on February 27 via Merge Records, promising to be a compelling addition to Eric Bachmann’s discography. With its blend of introspective lyrics, emotive vocals, and diverse musical styles, this album is sure to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for the full release of Swet Deth and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Crooked Fingers once again.