“Also In Tubs” is Battle Ave’s first new song since their 2011 debut War Paint, and the band has clearly been working on their craft. Anchored by songwriter and vocalist Jesse Alexander, the New York-based five-piece has a meandering and unassuming approach to rock that’s unfortunately probably destined to be slept on, collecting dust in record bins and on MP3 players, but deeply loved by those who stumble upon it. On “Also In Tubs,” they forgo some of the messy emotional pivots that marked their debut album and opt for a more streamlined, expansive sound. It’s a tragically beautiful track, staring at the world with watery eyes and a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right. Alexander’s whispered and quivering vocals are backed by Pecas’ Sandy Davis on this track, and they create some truly gorgeous harmonies together. The track appears on an upcoming split with Pelican Movement, the project of producer Kevin McMahon, who has also worked with Titus Andronicus, Swans, and Real Estate. He also serves as producer on “Also In Tubs” and his gentle fingerprints are all over the track, which is intricately layered and expertly arranged. Battle Ave create a stunning, lived-in, and warm soundscape on the song, and you can listen below.

The Battle Ave / Pelican Movement split 7″ is out 1/20. Preorder it here.