'Astoria' is the second song to be released from 40 Watt Sun’s newly-announced fourth studio album, 'Little Weight' (the follow-up to 2022's 'Perfect Light'), and is streaming everywhere now.
'Little Weight' will be released on September 6th 2024, digitally via Cappio Records and on physical formats through Patrick Walker's own label, Fisher's Folly.
Available on compact disc and gatefold vinyl variants, 'Little Weight' is now available to pre-order ahead of the scheduled release date direct from the band web store, where records and CDs can also be personalised upon request:
merch.40wattsun.co.uk/
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Astoria
The colours of the past were dripping,
uncovering who we are,
the nights that I was cased in the arms of Astoria.
And standing on the Fulton riverside,
all of my life seemed to me like the lights out on the water;
lonely notes of clarity.
But didn’t they shine?
With the last tide, I will be there.
And in the half-light, my eyes will see then.
Nothing in this world was far enough
that mattered to me at all;
but then, I was blinded by the lights of Astoria.
And didn’t they shine?
Didn’t they shine?
music and lyrics by Patrick Walker © Patrick Walker 2024
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Whilst 40 Watt Sun's previous album, 'Perfect Light', was written and recorded over a long time period, with a wide cast of musicians, for 'Little Weight' Patrick was determined to simplify the record-making process and recapture more of the rawness and spontaneity of the band’s earliest recordings. Setting aside a designated amount of time, under specific - often isolated - conditions, the crafting of the songs that make up 'Little Weight' took place.
A pre-planned series of retreats provided the space and opportunities to focus, within which Walker and his collaborators - drummer Andrew Prestige and bassist Roland Scriver - were able to do their best work. Designated time to work without distraction allowed them absolute freedom to create, whilst deadlines added to the urgency of the final recordings captured at Holy Mountain Studios in London in December 2023. Engineering and mixing was undertaken by Chris Fullard (Sunn O))); IDLES; Ulver), who was assisted by Stanley Gravett, before Adam Gonsalves mastered the tracks in Portland, Oregon. The album's cover art is by Tekla Vály.
'Little Weight' is a collection of six new songs:
1. Pour Your Love
2. Half a World Away
3. Astoria
4. Feathers
5. Closer to Life
6. The Undivided Truth
'Little Weight' is available to pre-order now and will be available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. There are three different gatefold vinyl variants available - black vinyl, limited red vinyl, and an ultra-limited clear vinyl edition of just 400 copies, the latter of which is available only from the 40 Watt Sun web store. Each vinyl copy of 'Little Weight' (regardless of its colour variant) ordered direct from the official band web store will come with a bespoke leather, foil-blocked 40 Watt Sun bookmark.
You can pre-order 'Little Weight' direct from the band web store now, where, as always, records and CDs can be signed/personalised upon request:
merch.40wattsun.co.uk/
Press enquiries: Becky@pioneermusicpress.com
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