John Vanderslice Reveals Upcoming Album ‘Focus’ with New Track “From The Life Of The Marionettes”
Renowned indie rock artist John Vanderslice has been carving out a unique path in experimental electronic music with recent releases like d E A T h ~ b U g and CRYSTALS 3.0. However, his latest album, Focus, marks a return to his indie singer-songwriter roots. Vanderslice took to Instagram to share this exciting development, highlighting the fact that this album puts a significant emphasis on vocals, a departure from his recent works.
The concept for Focus first took shape a few years ago during a casual evening spent listening to music and engaging in conversation with friends. Vanderslice’s wife Maria, who also penned the album’s bio, expressed her admiration for his experimentation with electronica on previous records but confessed that she missed his distinctive voice. Over the course of the evening, they struck a deal: Maria would write the lyrics, and Vanderslice would return to singing, marking a pivotal moment in the album’s creation.
The album cover for Focus is a departure from Vanderslice’s previous works, as it prominently showcases his queer identity. Clad in a sheer lurex shirt and a pink leather garter, Vanderslice grasps a pink peony adorned with the word “FOCUS” in intricate Norse-inspired lettering. This image encapsulates a specific moment in time that reflects the strength of their love and their mutual exploration of self-expression.
Following a move from Los Angeles to the Netherlands, Vanderslice collaborated with James Riotto, his Google Earth bandmate, to co-produce Focus at his Tiny Telephone studio in Oakland. The album’s opening track, “From The Life Of The Marionettes,” seamlessly blends Vanderslice’s signature vocals with acoustic melodies, electronic elements, and sophisticated background textures, creating a sound that is both captivating and immersive.
Focus boasts a tracklist that promises a diverse musical journey, including songs like “Steep Land Surveyor,” “Chopped Piano,” and “Magnolia Altamira.” Each track showcases Vanderslice’s evolution as an artist, combining introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation to create a compelling listening experience.
With its release date set for 8/28, Focus is poised to captivate longtime fans and newcomers alike with its blend of introspective songwriting and innovative sonic landscapes. Vanderslice’s decision to return to his roots as a singer-songwriter showcases his willingness to push artistic boundaries while staying true to the essence of his musical identity.