By Ben Boddez
The multidisciplinary creative blends simple storytelling and complex artistry, evoking a sense of childlike awe.
Beloved Vancouver-based indie rock stalwarts Japandroids announced their official farewell with the release of a new single and details of a fourth and final album, Fate & Alcohol, slated for release on Oct. 18 via Arts & Crafts in Canada and Anti- in the US.
Following a trilogy of raw, adrenaline-fuelled records that left their mark on the indie music world — 2009’s Post-Nothing, 2012’s Celebration Rock, and 2017’s Near to the Wild Heart of Life — Brian King (guitar, vocals) and Dave Prowse (drums, vocals) are closing the chapter on their musical journey together.
Fate & Alcohol marks a poignant culmination of their near two-decade partnership, blending their trademark intensity with a newfound maturity. Recorded in Vancouver with longtime collaborator Jesse Gander, the album promises to deliver Japandroids’ most refined and compelling work yet.
Today, they unveil “Chicago,” a track pulsating with the band’s signature vigor and sonic punch. Reflecting on their creative process, King shares, “We ensured every song was honed in our jam space before recording, capturing the raw energy that defines our sound.” This meticulous approach is evident in the evolution from demo to studio, where each track on Fate & Alcohol blossoms into a fully realized sonic narrative.
As they prepare to bid farewell, both King and Prowse emphasize that this album is a gift to their devoted fanbase—a testament to their passion and unwavering dedication. But Fate & Alcohol is not just an album; it’s a culmination of a journey—an ode to fleeting moments and the enduring power of music to connect. As Japandroids tease their final bow, their legacy resonates in every chord of this new single, a reminder that all great things, like their music, eventually find their perfect ending.
By Ben Boddez
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