I’ve been so busy enjoying the recent spate of collaborative singles from Will Oldham and Bill Callahan that I nearly forgot about this beast that’s been growing in the background. Yes…Matt Sweeney and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy are returning as the bestial duo, the two-headed dawg…the demon spawn known now as Superwolves! (out digitally April 30th on Domino and available physically on June 18th).
Today marks the arrival of their new single “Hall of Death,” which follows “Make Worry For Me.”
Sweeney and Will Oldham (aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy) wrote “Hall of Death” with visionary Tuareg guitarist and producer Ahmoudou Madassane. The song features Oldham and Sweeney in their traditional respective roles of singer and guitarist recording live in the studio with Madassane on rhythm electric guitar, joined by his formidable bandmates: Mdou Moctar adding his unmistakable lead guitar, Mike Coltun on electric bass, and Souleyman Ibrahim on drumset. Its accompanying video was directed by Sai Selvarajan and Jeff Bednarz.
Talking about their collaboration:
“The chemistry comes from lives, lived separately, in which music is crucial sustenance. We listen with gratitude and awe, knowing that we belong in there. We construct our dream selves with the faith that these selves will have their chance at life. We know what we are capable of doing and just need each other’s support to bring the imagined languages to life.” — Will Oldham
“I love the challenge to write melodies for Will to sing. Struggle with that challenge too. Knowing that Will’s voice will elevate the melody makes me reach higher and dig deeper for the tune. Makes me want to match it with a guitar part that holds his voice like a chalice holds wine (or blood, or whatever is needed to live the best life). I also love singing harmonies and responses to this voice of his.” — Matt Sweeney
Superwolves is available to pre-order on a variety of exciting and Dom-Mart exclusive merch items including Peter Doig print of the painting from the artwork, cap, enamel mug as well as vinyl, CD, cassette and digitally. Pre-order: Dom Mart | Digital
Photo credit – Jonah Freeman & Justin Lowe