New Orleans-based artist Thomas Dollbaum has announced the release of his EP, Drive All Night, on September 26th via Dear Life Records. This six-song collection follows his acclaimed 2022 debut, Wellswood, which saw his distinctive vocals compared to Justin Vernon, Damien Jurado and Richard Buckner.
The EP’s creation was deeply influenced by a personal journey when Dollbaum drove along the Gulf from New Orleans to his family’s home in Tampa, where he learned of an old friend’s unexpected passing. “We hadn’t been close in years, and finding out about his death sent me on a sort of journey through memories we had together,” reflects Dollbaum, “places we grew up in and how sometimes you don’t understand how or why relationships change over time.”
Drive All Night is a poignant excavation and reconstruction of his past, exploring themes of memory, loss, and a sense of place. The lead single, “Angus Valley,” accompanied by a video directed by Joshua Cannon, is a perfect example of this.
Recorded with ease by Clay Jones throughout 2023, the EP features contributions from Kate Teague and Josh Halper.