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Stream Lighting Bolt’s vibrant new album “Fantasy Empire”

Mar

10

Lightning Bolt - photo by Natalja Kent 
Back in January, when we heard that Brian Chippendale and Brian Gibson would be releasing the first Lightning Bolt album in over five years, we were filled with giddy excitement. That euphoric feeling went up a few more notches when we learned that the legendary noise rock duo would be coming to LPR for a show on Saturday, May 16.
 
And now there’s even more reason to be psyched. You can listen to the new album, Fantasy Empire (due out on March 24 via the inimitable Thrill Jockey), in its entirety over at NPR Music.
 
Fantasy Empire album coverHere’s a preview of what awaits you, via NPR’s Doug Mosurock:
 
“Lightning Bolt takes a few steps toward modernity on Fantasy Empire, which finds the duo moving away from congested, low-fidelity sounds in the pursuit of studio clarity. Listening is akin to the scene in The Wizard Of Oz where a sepia tone gives way to Technicolor; it opens up new vistas to the sound, while giving the band an opportunity to exhibit more involved musicianship. It’s less a blur and more a detailed map of planned aggression.”
 
And here’s Fantasy Empire‘s opening track, “The Metal East,” to get you started:
 

 
If you’re jonesing for even more Lightning Bolt-related goodness, we highly recommend this recent collaboration between Chippendale and Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier:
 

 
As well as this corresponding documentary:
 

 
Lighting Bolt plays LPR on Saturday, May 16. Get your tickets now before they’re all gone.
 
photo credit: Natalja Kent
 
posted by John

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