We’ve heard the triumphant, slow-building non-LP cut “Mermaid,” as well as a live rendition of “Wake and Be Fine” performed on Late Night, which, as Casey aptly remarked, was a bit shouty. Now our first studio taste of Okkervil River’s 6th album, I Am Very Far, has arrived as a free MP3 of the latter tune, with vocals thankfully tempered by a bit more space to help discern — and revel in — the melody adorning Will Sheff’s consistently resonant lyrics. It’s a solid single, for sure, though I’m still surprised that “Mermaid” didn’t make the cut, as my queue auto-played the anthemic B-side following this single and the sequence paid off brilliantly. Either way, you’re going to want to grab OR’s promising new track in exchange for an email address on their site or below.
Ethan Johns, Featured, Jon Brion, Laura Marling, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams