EXEK joins DFA Records, reveals upcoming album with new single “Sidestepping”
Australian band EXEK has recently signed with DFA Records and is gearing up to release their seventh album, Prove The Mountains Move, on February 27 through the label. This marks a shift from their previous albums released under John Dwyer’s Castle Face and W. 25th. The album, which was produced by bandleader Albert Wolski, delves into a more melodic direction compared to EXEK’s past records. Wolski explained that the inspiration behind this change in sound was his reconnection with the world post-Covid lockdown.
During the lockdown, creating new music had taken a backseat to spending time with friends and enjoying the parties that ensued. The music played at these gatherings served as a catalyst for the new direction of the album. Wolski shared, “Working on new music took a distant backseat to raging with friends. And those parties were filled with big bangers as the soundtrack—stuff I didn’t really listen to on my own, stuff I hadn’t really encountered since my adolescence. But in the early hours of Sunday morning, ‘Alive’ by Pearl Jam sounds like you’re talking to God. And so does ‘All I Wanna Do’ by Sheryl Crow, and so does ‘Feel’ by Robbie Williams.”
Despite his roots in krautrock and dub, Wolski found himself creating music that leaned towards a more lighthearted and emotional tone. This shift in musical exploration led to a collection of songs on Prove The Mountains Move that provide snapshots into abstract worlds and scenarios. Each song acts as a vignette, capturing various themes and motifs that interlock and reflect each other throughout the record on both lyrical and musical levels.
The album’s opening track, “Sidestepping,” offers a glimpse into the eclectic mix of sounds and ideas that shape Prove The Mountains Move. While it may not fit the traditional definition of “poppy,” the song carries a bright and hooky vibe while maintaining EXEK’s signature motorik drone essence. This balanced approach sets the tone for the rest of the album’s tracklist, blending experimental elements with a melodic sensibility.
With songs like “You Have Been Blessed,” “Visiting Dust Bunnies,” and “Spotless,” Prove The Mountains Move promises to take listeners on a sonic journey that transcends conventional boundaries. The album’s diverse range of influences and thematic explorations ensures that each track offers a unique perspective into EXEK’s ever-evolving musical landscape. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing the full scope of EXEK’s creative vision when Prove The Mountains Move arrives.