Eric Bachmann is dusting off his Crooked Fingers moniker for the first time in 15 years for a new album dropping in February. He introduced Swet Deth with "Cold Waves" featuring Superchunk's Mac McCaughan, whose Merge Records is putting the record out. Now comes another duet with an indie superstar.
"Haunted" pairs Bachmann with serial collaborator Sharon Van Etten. Their voices come together against a DIY electronic rock backdrop that builds from a skitter to a surge, returning often to the refrain "Your light never changes." Van Etten shared a nice note about the track:
This summer after returning from tour, I was ready to take a breath and focus on family — but then an email appeared in my inbox from legendary Eric Bachmann of Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers. Taking a breath I clicked on it and when I heard the song I knew I needed to make time for it. He commiserated with the work / life balance and was patient as I tried to find my voice in his song. Recording remotely is a blessing and a curse. I can work in my own time in my own space, but it takes a certain magic to sing with someone and being in the room is preferred to meet eye to eye… however, I closed my eyes and did take after take and sent him a few ideas and I let him roll with whatever he preferred — and he made something quite special. I hope you all enjoy it. I am honored to play a part in this release.
Watch the "Haunted" video below.
Swet Deth is out 2/27 on Merge.
