Whether he’s behind stacks of synthesizers and mixers, a lone acoustic guitar, or a pile of sheet music, everything Beck has put out in the past 20 years has always been, undoubtedly, Beck. And after five years of waiting since his last release he’s finally been reported to have not one, but two albums in the works; an acoustic set and what should be a proper follow-up to 2008’s “Modern Guilt” are what fans can expect in the future.
As a teaser for the new tunes to come, Beck has released two standalone singles. “Defriended” premiered last month and “I Won’t Be Long” has just been released today (July 2). The latter track opens with a foot-tapping beat met with a simple guitar and bass riff before diving into a dreamy chorus where Beck’s reverb-soaked vocals repeat the song’s title over delicate and sometimes demented synth lines.
Over its five minute duration, the track takes you for a ride through a handful of different genres before dropping you back off at the simplicity of the beginning of the song, where it fades out into ghostly moans.
Listen to the new single here:
Although “I Won’t Be Long” won’t be on either of the new albums, it will still be available on a limited edition 12″ vinyl pressing, as well as a digital download. Both will be available on July 8. Fans can catch Beck this summer sharing the stage with likes of rock monarchs Wilco and Bob Dylan, along with a handful of other dates. Check them out below:
July 2: Paris, France (Days Off Festival at Cité de la Musique)
July 27: Wantagh, NY (Americanarama at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater)
July 28: Newport, RI (Newport Folk Festival)
Aug. 2: Boston (Bank of America Pavilion)
Aug. 4: Brooklyn (Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park)