In a recent interview with Spin Magazine, Kevin Barnes told us to expect some “trunk rattling bass” on the new album. This in itself was exciting, but possibly even more exciting than that is how unpredictable this new album is shaping up to be.
Today the release date, tracklisting and album art of False Priest have finally been revealed to eager of Montreal fans. Set for release on 13th September, the tracklisting was exciting, despite it being what we expected – a heavy emphasis on open and sexual song titles such as ‘Godly Intersex‘ and ‘Sex Karma‘ make us gagging for those sexually charged, “trunk rattling bass” gems that Kevin has promised us. What is perhaps even more exciting is the prospect of not one, but two songs featuring collaborations from the wonderful Janelle Monáe, as well as a song with Solange Knowles. The album art (designed by Kevin’s brother, David Barnes and wife, Nina Barnes) is as beautiful as ever, too, if slightly more chaotic and (if possible) more bizarre than 2008’s Skeletal Lamping.
Whilst the above is undoubtedly fantastically exciting, and what many of Montreal songs have been waiting for for the past two years, it would appear that of Montreal’s sound was going just the way the fans had anticipated. Only, that’s not entirely true. With this exciting news of Montreal put online the first single from False Priest, ‘Coquet Coquette‘. The first thing you are introduced to is a frantic guitar riff. After that? Well, what sounds like an entire wall of guitars kicks in, in what can only be described as the most rock-orientated of Montreal song yet. But, as the song progresses, it unfolds into something that is still entirely danceable, whilst adding a beautiful new level to of Montreal’s genius, in providing a frantic climax that conjures up thoughts which wouldn’t be far off some songs on False Priest‘s titles, most notable ‘Godly Intersex‘. It’s certainly a change in direction for the Georgia band and, whilst it may not be what was expected, I can’t help but feel that they have somehow exceeded the mountain of expectation placed upon them.
Tracklisting:
01 I Feel Ya’ Strutter
02 Our Riotous Defects [ft. Janelle Monáe]
03 Coquet Coquette
04 Godly Intersex
05 Enemy Gene [ft. Janelle Monáe]
06 Hydra Fancies
07 Like a Tourist
08 Sex Karma [ft. Solange Knowles]
09 Girl Named Hello
10 Famine Affair
11 Casualty of You
12 Around the Way
13 You Do Mutilate?
Click here to download ‘Coquet Coquette‘.