Drop Nineteens Makes a Triumphant Return with Hard Light Album and Tour Dates
Shoegaze pioneers Drop Nineteens are making a highly anticipated return after 30 years with their new album, Hard Light, scheduled to be released on November 3rd under Wharf Cat Records. Their 1992 debut album, Delaware, has cemented its place as a defining record in the genre, contributing to their lasting legacy. The lead single from the upcoming album, titled “Scapa Flow,” is already available, and the band has announced a set of tour dates in 2023 to celebrate their comeback.
Despite their initial run lasting only four years, Drop Nineteens achieved significant success before their disbandment. Lead singer and songwriter Greg Ackell, content with their achievements, left the music world on a positive note. However, he couldn’t have foreseen the enduring impact “Delaware” would have in the indie rock sphere. Now, with a fresh perspective, Ackell shares his motivation for returning to music after such a long hiatus.
While discussing their forthcoming album, Hard Light, Ackell reveals that the intention was to create an honest and reflective record that represents the band members’ present selves, acknowledging that they are now older. The question of “why now?” lingered, but ultimately, it was curiosity that drove them to explore how Drop Nineteens might sound in the present day.
“Scapa Flow,” the lead single from Hard Light, demonstrates that 2023 Drop Nineteens retains their signature sound while displaying a slightly more polished approach compared to their earlier work. The track strikes a balance between noise and dreaminess, delivering a captivating combination of rock energy and captivating melodies.
To accompany the album release, Drop Nineteens is embarking on a short run of tour dates in October, covering the East Coast and California. Tickets for the shows can be purchased through their website or Ticketmaster, with pre-sale starting on August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. local time (using the code TRACK) and general sale following the next day at the same time.
As fans eagerly await the full album, they can listen to the comeback single, “Scapa Flow,” below.
Additionally, the album artwork and tracklist for Hard Light have been unveiled, adding to the excitement surrounding Drop Nineteens’ triumphant return to the music scene.
Hard Light Tracklist:
01. Hard Light
02. Scapa Flow
03. Gal
04. Tarantula
05. The Price Was High
06. Rose With Smoke
07. A Hitch
08. Lookout
09. Another One Another
10. Policeman Getting Lost
11. T
Drop Nineteens 2023 Tour Dates:
10/10 – Washington DC @ The Atlantis *
10/11 – Philadelphia PA @ Union Transfer ^
10/12 – Boston MA @ The Paradise *
10/13 – Brooklyn NY @ Warsaw *
10/19 – Los Angeles CA @ The Belasco !
10/22 – Oakland CA @ The New Parish !
* = w/ Greg Mendez
^ = w/ Horse Jumper of Love
! = w/ Winter