Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks announce new album Sparkle Hard

The track comes on the heels of last month's "Middle America" comeback, which also appears on the group's forthcoming seventh studio full-length.

As well as plenty of "navel gazing" - according to Malkmus - there's set to be a few curveball additions to their formula, with splatterings of Auto-Tune and fiddle to enjoy, a guest turn from Kim Gordon, and acoustic folk blooms for good measure. Writing for Sparkle Hard began in 2015, but demos were only laid down in April 2017 - the final product was recorded in Portland's Halfling studios with producer Chris Funk (The Decemberists).

The erstwhile Pavement frontman has kept mostly quiet on all fronts (bar Beck and Taylor Swift covers) since 2014's Wig Out At Jagbags LP. Last year Malkmus' former bandmate Scott Kannberg hinted at Pavement's reunion for their 30th anniversary... but let's just wait and see before we get too carried away.

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks have a lengthy list of shows planned for the rest of 2018, including a bunch of newly announced European dates this October. Find out all the tour details.

Tracklist:

1. Cast Off
2. Future Suite
3. Solid Silk
4. Bike Lane
5. Middle America
6. Rattler
7. Shiggy
8. Kite
9. Brethren
10. Refute
11. Difficulties / Let Them Eat Vowels