For years now Dan Friel has been the guy making experimental DIY shows in the back of art galleries not just tolerable but transcendent. The ex-Parts & Labor musician’s intricate electronic compositions burst with life and color, which is possibly why he named his new album Life and put a colorful painting on the cover. A quick explainer from the man himself:

I made a new album called Life. It includes some lullabies, a Joanna Gruesome cover, and at least one White Zombie reference. I think of it as completing a trilogy of related LPs along with Total Folklore (2013) and Ghost Town (2008), using the same rig of punk electronics, and going for the same kind of feral optimism.

The central conceit of Friel’s new album involves wringing every last bit of joyous reverie out of his Yamaha Portasound keyboard. Title track and lead single “Life (Pt. 1)” demonstrates that plan in exemplary fashion. Press play and have fun.

Life tracklist:
01 “Lullaby (For Wolf)”
02 “Cirrus”
03 “Rattler”
04 “Lungs”
05 “Sleep Deprivation”
06 “Life (Pt. 1)”
07 “Jamie (Luvver)”
08 “Bender”
09 “Theme”
10 “Life (Pt. 2)”

Tour dates:
09/19 Brooklyn, NY @ Bohemian Grove
10/15 Brooklyn, NY @ Secret Project Robot (with ETHEL)
11/17 Lyon, France @ Grrrnd Zero *
11/18 Barcelona, Spain @ Music Hall *
11/19 Toulouse, France @ Connexion *
11/20 Reims, France @ La Cartonnerie *
11/21 Utrecht, Netherlands @ Le Guess Who Festival *
11/24 Dublin, Ireland @ Hangar *
11/25 Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club *
11/26 London, UK @ Electric Ballroom * (with OM)
11/27 Prestatyn, UK @ ATP Nightmare Before Christmas @ Pontins
11/29 Brighton, UK @ Mutations Festival *
12/01 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Jazzhouse *
12/02 Gothenburg, Sweden @ Folk *
12/03 Oslo, Norway @ Bla *
12/04 Stockholm, Sweden @ Kagelbanan *
* with Lightning Bolt

Life is out 10/16 on Thrill Jockey. Pre-order it here.