The Mountain Goats Recruit the Nashville Symphony Chorus for “Rain in Soho” | Catch Them May 23 at Cannery Ballroom

On May 19, beloved North Carolina indie rockers The Mountain Goats will release their 16th album, Goths. Recorded here in Nashville at the famed Blackbird Studio, the album, like much of frontman/creative force John Darnielle’s work, will largely revolve around the core concept of its title, while taking the opportunity to navigate personal stories, history lessons, and new sonic palates, anchored arounds Darnielle and the band’s view and personal experience of what it means to be “goth,” a creative and morbidly curious outsider (which is definitely a big leap from 2015’s Beat the Champ, inspired by pro wrestling).

In something of a stunning departure from their typical folk rock bent, Goths will be entirely absent of guitars, but will still embody the spirt and expansive musical sensibilities Mountain Goats fans have come to love, as showcased on first single “Andrew Eldritch Is Moving Back to Leeds.” And on their second, more recently released track and album opener, “Rain in Soho,” the band live up the record’s title, adopting a dark and brooding sound and lyrical focus, enhanced by our very own Nashville Symphony Chorus. It’s a pretty stellar and exciting direction from an already amazing and always surprising band, and leaves us eager to hear the rest of the new record.

Mere days after Goths drops, the group will also make their return to Music City, for a May 23 show at Cannery Ballroom with Plus One and Mothers! Sure to be one of the spring’s most exciting shows, you can channel your inner goth and grab tickets right here!