M. Ward announces new record More Rain, reveals lead single "Girl From Conejo Valley"

Speaking about some of the record's themes and concepts, Ward says: “I think one of the biggest mysteries of America right now is this: how are we able to process unending bad news on Page One and then go about our lives the way the Style section portrays us? There must be a place in our brains that allows us to take a bird’s-eye view of humanity, and I think music is good at helping people - myself included - go to that place.”

Apparently the record started life as a "DIY doo-wop album that would feature Ward experimenting with layering his own voice", but thanks to work with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Neko Case, K.D. Lang, The Secret Sisters, and Joey Spampinato of NRBQ, it morphed into something completely different.

More Rain is released 4 March on Bella Union. It follows 2012's A Wasteland Companion.

Stream "Girl From Conejo Valley" below, and then check out the LP's tracklist after.

Tracklist:

1. More Rain
2. Pirate Dial
3. Time Won’t Wait
4. Confession
5. I’m Listening (Child’s Theme)
6. Girl From Conejo Valley
7. Slow Driving Man
8. You’re So Good To Me
9. Temptation
10. Phenomenon
11. Little Baby
12. I’m Going Higher