Thank heaven! I know it’s only been two years or so, but it feels like a friggin’ Viconian Cycle or two has passed since those higher-plane-seeking, drone-folk spiritualists Six Organs Of Admittance have returned to earth to flip our collective lids. Back then, you might recall, mastermind Ben Chasny was busy reinventing the whole of Western music as we know it with his modest little “Hexadic” systems. No big deal.
But it’s cool; he’s kinda done-ish with that stuff for now, and he’s back on February 24 with a new album for Drag City. Titled Burning The Threshold, the new LP represents a “subtle shift” from the formerly somber, minor-key tone of previous releases toward a more “optimistic” land of “mischief and wonder,” with each song on the album taking its inspiration from a distinct inspiration of “writers, theorists, philosophers and other musicians” (particularly THE Wally Stevens!). The record also boasts a heavenly host of musical guests, including Riley Walker, Alex Nielson, Chris Corsano, Damon & Naomi, and Hayley Fohr.
Pre-order the whole shebang now from Drag City on your choice of vinyl, CD, cassette, or download; and check out the album’s surprisingly-funky and Terry Riley-ish raga jam “Taken By Ascent” down below. After that, peep the mega list of spring tour dates, just in case you feel like gettin’ your spiritual-awakening-on LIVE and in person.
Burning TheThreshold tracklist:
01. Things As They Are
02. Adoration Song
03. Reservoir
04. Under Fixed Stars
05. Around The Axis
06. Taken By Ascent
07. Threshold of Light
08. St. Eustace
09. Reflection
Six Organs of Admittance tour dates:
02.23.17 -London, UK - St. Pancras Church (Record Release Show)
03.02.17 -Vancouver, BC - The Cobalt
03.03.17 - Seattle, WA - Fremont Abbey Arts Center
03.04.17 - Portland, OR - Bunk Bar
03.06.17 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
03.07.17 - Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Bar
03.08.17 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
03.23-26.17 - Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Festival
03.28.17 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
03.29.17 - Asheville, NC - Mothlight
03.30.17 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
03.31.17 - Washington, DC - DC9
04.01.17 - Brooklyn, NY - Union Pool
04.02.17 - Boston, MA - Great Scott
04.03.17 - Portland, ME - Space Gallery
04.05.17 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s
04.06.17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
04.07.17 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern
04.08.17 - Detroit, MI - Third Man Records
04.09.17 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
04.10.17 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
04.12.17 - Milwaukee, WI - Collectivo Coffee
04.14.17 - St. Louis, MO -Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
04.15.17 - Louisville, KY - Zanzabar