Four time Grammy Award winner Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit have announced their triumphant return with a new album ‘Reunions’ due out May 15th on Thirty Tigers and a European tour at the end of this year. The first track from the new record comes in the shape of melody-packed, anthemic new single ‘Be Afraid’ which you can listen to below.
‘Reunions’ was recorded with the 400 Unit and produced by celebrated producer and long time collaborator Dave Cobb. “Success is a very nice problem to have but I think ‘how do I get through it and not lose what made me good in the first place?’” he says. “A lot of these songs and the overall concept of this album is how do I progress as an artist and a human being and still keep that same hunger that I had when I wasn’t quite so far along in either respect.” Isbell’s solution: to go back in time with his hard-gained knowledge.
The result is a collection of ten new songs that delve into relationships with lovers, friends, children, parents, and one’s self. There are: “rousing anthems that will have stadiums singing along, lyrical standouts that highlight some of Isbell’s best writing to date, moving looks at youth and childhood, a deep dive into the challenges of relationships, and deeply personal songs about alcoholism and parenthood. All of them offer us an artist at the height of his powers and a band fully charged with creativity and confidence.”
At the back end of last year, Isbell sold out his inaugural, self-curated ShoalsFest, that took place in October in Muscle Shoals, AL, with performances from Sheryl Crow, Mavis Staples & Amanda Shires, in addition to Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. The band also performed a seven-night sold out run at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium, making it the longest stand the group has had at the venue to date.
Here are those dates, along with the tracklisting and new song:
Tue 17th Nov – LONDON, UK, Eventim Apollo
Wed 18th Nov – MANCHESTER, UK, Albert Hall
Thu 19th Nov – DUBLIN, Ireland, Olympia Theatre
‘Reunion’ – Track Listing:
What’ve I Done To Help?
Dreamsicle
Only Children
Overseas
Running With Our Eyes Closed
River
Be Afraid
St. Peter’s Autograph
It Gets Easier
Letting You Go