Although José Gonzalez has been busy in recent years touring and recording with his band Junip among other projects, he hasn’t released a solo album since 2007’s In Our Nature. That will change this February with the release of Vestiges & Claws. González recorded the album himself in Gothenberg at home and Svenska Grammofonstudion. He shared some thoughts on the album’s creation in a press release:

It was no doubt a conscious decision to work without a producer. I didn’t want this to be too polished, or too ‘in your face.’ Most of all, it’s fun to be in complete control of the artistic aspect. Also, I was inspired by and picked up a lot of tricks from the producers I have worked with in the past. I like to use distortion and let things be a little overdriven, which gives things a warmer sound. Sometimes people complain that my music is too muddled, but I really do not want a modern crisp sound. I’d much rather aim somewhere between Shuggie Otis and Simon & Garfunkel.

Watch a short trailer for Vestiges & Claws below.

Vestiges & Claws is out 2/17 on Mute. Here’s González’s latest press photo: