Last summer, we got a nice surprise when Philly-based Abi Reimold, a one-time Stereogum Artist To Watch, released their first song in nine years. "High Tide" was a mesmerizing folk ballad that marked an evolution from the scrappy singer-songwriter indie rock of Reimold's 2016 debut album Wriggling. It turns out there are further stylistic twists to behold.
Reimold is back today with news of Picking Stones, their second album and first in 10 years. Its eight songs were written between 2019 and 2023, "exploring themes of grief, limerence, and resilience," and none of them are "High Tide." Reimold played with musicians Zena Kay, Evan McGonagill, Evan Campbell, and Bill Magerr, and Scott Stitzer produced. Reimold has described the sound as "country curious," a phrase that holds true on the lead single.
"Drinking Song" is another ballad, but this one rocks. It builds to some huge impassioned moments and features a lovely guitar solo. But what stood out most to me is the lyrics. "Holy ghost tells me I'm made for you/ At the bar I've been drinking for two/ Case in the fridge, how are you empty so soon?/ I don't care if it's 5 o'clock or if it's noon." That's a bar. "I've been here before, so it's not my first time/ Standing on stolen ground, living on borrowed time." Bar. "I don't care what you do/ As long as you regret it too/ I'll visit you in your sleep/ I'll be the star of all your dreams." I could keep quoting lines because so many of them stand out.
This track is a promising sign for the rest of Picking Stones. You ought to hear it below, where you can also see Reimold's tour dates with Emily Yacina.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Picking Stones"
02 "Drinking Song"
03 "Schedule II"
04 "Open to suggestions"
05 "Stoned"
06 "Phasing"
07 "Destiny"
08 "you're only gay when you're drunk"
TOUR DATES:
04/28 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
04/30 - Richmond, VA @ Black Iris
05/01 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle (back room)
05/02 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Purgatory)
Picking Stones is out 3/3.
