It’s been a long time coming for the Aussie exports, but after endless speculation, a run of deeply personal singles, and plenty of teasing on socials, Gang of Youths have officially detailed their forthcoming new album, angel in realtime.
Set to arrive on February 25th, the 13-track album’s announcement follows on from singles such as “the angel of 8th ave.” and “the man himself”, which indicated an album that was not only highly eclectic, but deeply personal for the group.
“The album is about the life and legacy of Dave’s father, indigenous identity, death, grief and God. And also the Angel, Islington,” Gang of Youths explained in a statement.
Alongside the announcement of the new record, the group have also unveiled their latest single, with the psychedelic-yet-tear-jerking ‘tend the garden’ arriving today as the latest taster of their highly-anticipated third album.
“My dad was a gifted and passionate gardener,” explains frontman Dave Le’aupepe. “It’s where he funnelled a lot of his energy and sensitivity, and despite our humble economic status, we were always surrounded by beauty.
“The journey he made from Samoa to NZ to Australia was a difficult and inspiring one, but also fraught with mistakes, regret and terrible choices. I like to think he was building something beautiful, and pondering what life had given him in spite of his mistakes and concealment. We never knew his story until after he died, so this is the most poetic interpretation of his affinity for gardening that I could think of.”
With the album described as eclectic – including influences ranging from American minimalism and contemporary classical to Britpop and drum n’ bass – it is equally rooted in Le’aupepe’s Samoan heritage, with many tracks featuring samples from David Fanshawe’s recordings of indigenous music from the Polynesian islands and the wider South Pacific.
“I hope the record stands as a monument to the man my father was and remains long after I’m gone myself,” Le’aupepe. “He deserved it.”
With angel in realtime officially set to arrive in February of 2022, Gang of Youths have also unveiled a run of national tour dates, which will see them return home for a run of massive headline dates.
Kicking off at the RAC Arena in Perth on July 30th, Gang of Youths will then travel to Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, before travelling over to New Zealand for a pair of shows in Auckland and Wellington. For fans keeping score though, the official poster for the tour also hints towards shows in Hobart and Brisbane for August of next year, though specific details are yet to be firmed up.
Tickets to the band’s upcoming tour go on sale from 9am local time on Friday, November 19th, while a Telstra Plus Pre-Sale begins at 3pm local time on Tuesday, November 16th.
Gang of Youths’ “tend the garden” is out now, while new album angel in realtime will be released on February 25th, 2022, with pre-orders available now.
Gang of Youths – angel in realtime Australia/Aotearoa 2022 Tour
Saturday, July 30th, 2022
RAC Arena, Perth, WA
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. NSW
Friday, August 12th, 2022
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, August 14th, 2022
Venue TBA, Hobart, TAS
More Info: A More Perfect Union
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Hunter Lounge, Wellington, NZ
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
Powerstation, Auckland, NZ
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
Venue TBA, Brisbane, QLD
More Info: A More Perfect Union
Tickets to Australian shows on sale from 9am local time on Friday, November 19th
Telstra Plus Pre-Sale begins at 3pm local time on Tuesday, November 16th
Tickets to Aotearoa shows on sale from 3pm local time on Thursday, November 18th
Handsome Tours pre-sale commences at 3pm local time on Thursday, November 18th
