Iron & Wine’s Weed Gardenarrives as a six-song collection of all new material, whose roots were planted during the making of last years Grammy-nominated, Beast Epic. The release is being made available worldwide from Sub Pop and joins the ranks of his previous EP’s -The Sea and Rhythm, Woman Kingand In the Reinswhich contains some of Iron & Wine’s most beloved material.
[Album Art Paintings by Sam Beam]
Recorded earlier this year at The Loft in Chicago, Weed Garden features the single “What Hurts Worse” and the fan favorite, “Waves of Galveston,” which first appeared as part of The Onion’s AV Club “State Songs” and is finally making its official release. Galveston is just a short trip from Austin where Sam Beam lived for a number years, and its coastal beauty is brought to life in this late summer breezy acoustic number that harkens back to some of Iron & Wine’s earliest material.
Beam recently stated that “‘Waves of Galveston” was one of those songs that had a more reflective feel and I knew I wanted to do it as an acoustic thing. I guess it pointed me in the direction of where the rest of Beast Epic went.” He also touched on the EP format and noted that he “really like(s) short records. The more concise the better. Anytime you have fewer things to absorb you observe and listen to it differently. It’s a concentrated statement”.
The Associated Press had this say of Weed Garden, “Beam’s surprise gift is the exquisite “Waves of Galveston,” a fan favorite getting its first official release. Its very 70’s-sounding refrain caresses the eardrums and Nick Drake may have sounded like this if singing about Texas….There are plenty of references to nature — the sea, butterflies, serpents, rain, clouds, flowers, winds and waves — but it’s all related to the human experience and the final three songs sustain the theme. Especially affecting are the gorgeous “Autumn Town Leaves” and the increasingly intense and desperate closer “Talking to Fog.” Weed Garden is both a wonderful bonus in relation to Beast Epicand an enchanting collection that deserves to be valued for its own plentiful merits.”
And NPR Music offers this, “Not only is Weed Garden a consistently powerful extension of Beast Epic, but it also marks the first studio release of one of Beam’s live staples: “Waves of Galveston.” That outtake has been cropping up in performances…but it benefits enormously from a new full-band arrangement that’s crisp and lovely, spare but sweet.”
Weed Garden is available on CD/LP/DL/CS through Sub Pop over here. LP purchases through megamart.subpop.com and select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser edition on Amber colored vinyl (while supplies last).
Iron & Wine’s previously announced fall tour schedule in support of Weed Garden and Beast Epic resumes on September 21st in Kansas City, MO at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland and runs through November 17th in Memphis, TX at the Orpheum Theatre. Support for the fall tour dates will come from Erin Rae, Carl Broemel, and Ohmme.
Sep. 21 - Kansas City, MO - Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland* Sep. 22 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre* Sep. 23 - Salt Lake City, UT - Capitol Theatre* Sep. 24 - Boise, ID - Revolution Center* Sep. 26 - Eureka, CA - Arkley Center for the Performing Arts* Sep. 27 - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theatre* Sep. 28 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues* Sep. 29 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre* Sep. 30 - Sante Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Arts Center* Oct. 2 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom* Oct. 3 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant^ Oct. 4 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater* Oct. 5 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre* Oct. 6 - Columbus, OH - Southern Theatre* Nov. 2 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater** Nov. 3 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre** Nov. 4 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre** Nov. 6 - Portland, ME - State Theatre** Nov. 7 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount** Nov. 8 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre** Nov. 9 - Norfolk, VA - NorVa** Nov. 10 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall** Nov. 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium** Nov. 14 - Augusta, GA - Miller Theater** Nov. 15 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Theatre** Nov. 16 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre** Nov. 17 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre** *w/ Erin Rae ** w/ Ohmme ^ w/ Carl Broemel
Beast Epic, the deeply personal sixth proper full-length album from Iron & Wine, received universal praise upon its release in the fall of 2017. Rolling Stone said it was “Beam’s most dynamic and convincing record in years”, while Pitchfork noted that it was reminiscent of “the warm acoustic instrumentation of his early work”. The AV Club perhaps summed it up best with its A grade when they wrote “Beam has written his most affecting, impressive set of songs in a long time—maybe ever…scaling back the lavish orchestration while maintaining a sense of brightness and verve.”
On August 31st, Iron & Wine will releaseWeed Garden, a six-song collection of all new material rooted in the writing process that brought us the Grammy nominated,Beast Epic. Recorded earlier this year at The Loft in Chicago, the EP joins the ranks of previous releases -The Sea and Rhythm,Woman KingandIn the Reinswhich contain some of Iron & Wine’s most beloved material.
The second song shared fromWeed Gardenis “Waves of Galveston”. This fan favorite first appeared as part ofThe Onion’s AV Club“State Songs” and is finally making its official release. A short trip from Austin where Sam Beam lived for a number years, Galveston and its coastal beauty is brought to life in this late summer breezy acoustic number that harkens back to some of Iron & Wine’s earliest material. You can now listen to “Waves of Galveston”.
Weed Gardenwhich serves as the perfect companion piece to last years full length,Beast Epicis now available for preorder on CD/LP/DL/CS through Sub Pop over here. LP preorders of throughmegamart.subpop.comandselect independent retailerswill receive the limited Loser edition on Amber colored vinyl (while supplies last).
Iron & Wine’s previously announced fall tour schedule in support ofWeed GardenandBeast Epicresumes on September 21st in Kansas City, MO at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland and runs through November 17th in Memphis, TX at the Orpheum Theatre.
Sep. 21 - Kansas City, MO - Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland* Sep. 22 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre* Sep. 23 - Salt Lake City, UT - Capitol Theatre* Sep. 24 - Boise, ID - Revolution Center* Sep. 26 - Eureka, CA - Arkley Center for the Performing Arts* Sep. 27 - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theatre* Sep. 28 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues* Sep. 29 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre* Sep. 30 - Sante Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Arts Center* Oct. 2 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom* Oct. 3 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant^ Oct. 4 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater* Oct. 5 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre* Oct. 6 - Columbus, OH - Southern Theatre* Nov. 2 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater** Nov. 3 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre** Nov. 4 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre** Nov. 6 - Portland, ME - State Theatre** Nov. 7 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount** Nov. 8 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre** Nov. 9 - Norfolk, VA - NorVa** Nov. 10 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall** Nov. 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium** Nov. 14 - Augusta, GA - Miller Theater** Nov. 15 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Theatre** Nov. 16 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre** Nov. 17 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre** *w/ Erin Rae ** w/ Ohmme ^ w/ Carl Broemel
Beast Epic, the deeply personal sixth proper full-length album from Iron & Wine, received universal praise upon its release in the fall of 2017 [link here].Rolling Stonesaid it was “Beam’s most dynamic and convincing record in years”, whilePitchforknoted that it was reminiscent of “the warm acoustic instrumentation of his early work”. The AV Clubperhaps summed it up best with its A grade when they wrote “Beam has written his most affecting, impressive set of songs in a long time—maybe ever…scaling back the lavish orchestration while maintaining a sense of brightness and verve.”
More dates added to Beast Epic world tour September - November 2018.
Iron & Wine are following up their 2018 Grammy-nominated full-length Beast Epic with the aptly titled EP, Weed Garden available worldwide on August 31st. Having gone over three years between releases prior to Beast Epic, Weed Garden arrives in short order, but right on time for Iron & Wine fans.
The six-song EP features material that was part of the writing phase for Beast Epic, but for various reasons went unfinished. The term “weed garden” could easily imply that which doesn’t belong, for principal songwriter Sam Beam, it was more about getting more “into the weeds” on a creative process to finish the material. Weed Garden serves as the perfect companion piece to last years full length.
While on tour last fall, the final pieces fell into place and a sense of urgency prevailed in bringing these songs to fruition. Space was created at the top of the year to return to The Loft recording studio in Chicago with the band behind Beast Epic - Joe Adamik, Jim Becker, Rob Burger and Teddy Rankin-Parker. The collection of songs range from urgent (“What Hurts Worse”) to fun (“Rock and Roll Heroes”) to personal (“Talking to Fog”). The tones and themes all feel part of the larger narrative that presented itself on Beast Epic bringing this collection of characters full circle. You can now listen (above) to lead off track “What Hurts Worse.”
Weed Garden also includes the fan favorite “Waves of Galveston”. Widely bootlegged, but never officially released until now, this track is the oldest song on the EP. It first appeared as an online performance video as part of The Onion’s AV Club “State Songs”. The Weed Garden artwork also features a series of original paintings from Iron & Wine’s principal songwriter Sam Beam. This cover joins the ranks of previous album covers, Endless Numbered Days, The Shepherd’s Dog, Kiss Each Other Clean and In the Reins that feature his paintings or drawings.
Weed Garden is now available for preorder on CD/LP/DL/CS through Sub Pop right here. LP preorders through megamart.subpop.com and select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser edition on Amber colored vinyl (while supplies last)
Weed Garden Tracklisting: 1. What Hurts Worse 2. Waves of Galveston 3. Last of Your Rock ‘n’ Roll Heroes 4. Milkweed 5. Autumn Town Leaves 6. Talking to Fog
Iron & Wine’s previously announce fall tour schedule resumes on September 21st in Kansas City, MO at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland and runs through November 17th in Memphis, TX at the Orpheum Theatre.
Sep. 21 - Kansas City, MO - Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland* Sep. 22 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre* Sep. 23 - Salt Lake City, UT - Capitol Theatre* Sep. 24 - Boise, ID - Revolution Center* Sep. 26 - Eureka, CA - Arkley Center for the Performing Arts* Sep. 27 - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theatre* Sep. 28 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues* Sep. 29 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre* Sep. 30 - Sante Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Arts Center* Oct. 2 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom* Oct. 3 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant^ Oct. 4 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater* Oct. 5 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre* Oct. 6 - Columbus, OH - Southern Theatre* Nov. 2 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater** Nov. 3 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre** Nov. 4 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre** Nov. 6 - Portland, ME - State Theatre** Nov. 7 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount** Nov. 8 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre** Nov. 9 - Norfolk, VA - NorVa** Nov. 10 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall** Nov. 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium** Nov. 14 - Augusta, GA - Miller Theater** Nov. 15 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Theatre** Nov. 16 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre** Nov. 17 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre** *w/ Erin Rae ** w/ Ohmme ^ w/ Carl Broemel
Beast Epic, the deeply personal sixth proper full-length album from Iron & Wine, received universal praise upon its release in the fall of 2017 [link here]. Rolling Stone said it was “Beam’s most dynamic and convincing record in years”, while Pitchfork noted that it was reminiscent of “the warm acoustic instrumentation of his early work”. The AV Club perhaps summed it up best with its “A-grade” review when they wrote “Beam has written his most affecting, impressive set of songs in a long time—maybe ever…scaling back the lavish orchestration while maintaining a sense of brightness and verve.”
Iron & Wine continue to tour the world in support of their Grammy-nominated album, Beast Epic adding a new batch of North American dates to an already full slate. Besides making the inaugural journey to Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and China this month along with returning to Australia for the first time in five years, the band will hit Europe in June and embark on three weeks of North American dates in September and November. (see dates below.)
In anticipation of these dates, Iron & Wine are sharing a new video for “Last Night,” from their latest record Beast Epic. The stop motion video was created by filmmaker Rachel Blumberg who has done videos for Gillian Welch and Nada Surf among others.
In July, Iron & Wine will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their Benefit for Midwives at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. The annual event raises money for a variety of organizations under the midwifery umbrella. In conjunction with the show is also the annual Iron & Wine movie night. Hosted by Sam Beam, movie night is a great opportunity to rub shoulders and share popcorn with Sam as you watch a movie that’s had a lasting impact on him and his music. This year he’ll be screening the William Friedkin classic, Sorcerer.
Beast Epic, the deeply personal sixth proper full-length release from Iron & Wine, received universal praise upon its release last fall. Rolling Stone said it was “Beam’s most dynamic and convincing record in years”, while Pitchfork noted that it was reminiscent of “the warm acoustic instrumentation of his early work”. The A/V Club perhaps summed it up best with its A grade when they wrote “Beam has written his most affecting, impressive set of songs in a long time—maybe ever…scaling back the lavish orchestration while maintaining a sense of brightness and verve.”
IRON & WINE BEAST EPIC 2018 TOUR May. 11 - Honolulu, HI – The Republik May. 14 - Singapore, Singapore – Capitol Theater May. 15 – Bangkok, Thailand – BAMM at Moonstar Studio May. 17 – Taipei, Taiwan – Legacy May. 19 – Seoul, South Korea – Seoul Jazz Festival May. 20 – Shanghai, China – MAO Livehouse May. 23 – Melbourne, Australia – Recital Hall (early show) May. 23 – Melbourne, Australia – Recital Hall (late show) May. 25 – Sydney, Australia – VividLIVE at Sydney Opera House May. 26 – Sydney, Australia – VividLIVE at Sydney Opera House May. 29 – Adelaide, Australia – The Gov May. 30 – Brisbane, Australia – QPAC Jun. 01 – Canberra, Australia – Canberra Theater Jun. 02 – Perth, Australia – Astor Theater Jun. 23 – Eridge Park, UK – Black Deer Festival Jun. 24 – Westmeath, Ireland – Body & Soul Festival Jun. 25 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Jun. 27 – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne GeyserHaus Jun. 28 – Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg Jun. 30 – Barcelona, Spain – Vida Festival Jul. 14 – Austin, TX – Paramount | Midwives Benefit Jul. 16 – Austin, TX – Paramount | Iron & Wine Movie Night screening of Sorcerer Sep. 21 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland Sep. 22 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre Sep. 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Capitol Theatre Sep. 24 – Boise, ID – Revolution Center Sep. 26 – Eureka, CA – Arkley Center for the Performing Arts Sep. 27 – Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre Sep. 28 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Sep. 29 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre Sep. 30 – Sante Fe, NM – Lensic Performing Arts Center Oct. 2 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom Oct. 3 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant Oct. 4 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theater Oct. 5 – Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre Oct. 6 – Columbus, OH – Southern Theatre Nov. 2 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater Nov. 3 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre Nov. 4 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre Nov. 6 - Portland, ME - State Theatre Nov. 7 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount Nov. 8 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre Nov. 9 - Norfolk, VA - NorVa Nov. 10 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall Nov. 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium Nov. 14 - Augusta, GA - Miller Theater Nov. 15 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Theatre Nov. 16 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre Nov. 17 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
Iron & Wine recently appeared on CBS Saturday Morning to perform Beast Epic tracks “Call it Dreaming”[see here], “Thomas County Law”[see here] and rarity “Call Your Boys”[see here]. He also recorded a gorgeous 40-min, career-spanning set with Pitchfork Live [see here].
Iron & Wine’s Beast Epic, which features the standouts “Call It Dreaming”, “Thomas County Law”, “Bitter Truth” and “About A Bruise,” was written and produced by Sam Beam. It was recorded and engineered by Tom Schick at the Loft in Chicago in July 2016 and January 2017, and mastered by Richard Dodd in Nashville, Tennessee. The musicians who played on the album include longtime Iron & Wine collaborators Rob Burger (keys), Joe Adamik (percussion, drums), and Jim Becker (guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin), along with bassist Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing and Fiona Apple), and Chicagoan Teddy Rankin-Parker (cello).
Beast Epic is available from Sub Pop here, Iron & Wine’s official webstore here, and in finer independent retailers across the globe. It’s available in the following formats:
A Deluxe 2xLP version on red & blue vinyl with alternate artwork, two bonus tracks from the Beast Epic recording sessions along with three home recorded demos and an etching on side D.
A single LP on black vinyl
CD
Digital
CS
Tour Dates + Ticket Links
Iron & Wine has added headlining European dates to his 2017/18 tour schedule in support of Beast Epic, which begin January 14th in Reykjavic (at Eidborg) and end on February 16th in London (at Eventim Apollo). Tickets for all UK/EU dates will be on general sale at 10AM local time on Friday, September 1st.
These dates are preceded by US touring, which spans August 26th at Fayetteville (at the sold-out Roots Festival) and ends with a two night stand in New York on November 13th (at Town Hall) and 14th (at Brooklyn Steel). For up to date information on tickets, please visit ironandwine.com/tours.
Summer 2017 Aug. 26 - Fayetteville, AR - Roots Festival - SOLD OUT Aug. 27 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note % Aug. 28 - Chattanooga, TN - Tivoli Theatre % Aug. 29 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn % - SOLD OUT Aug. 30 - Louisville, KY - WFPK on the Waterfront Aug. 31 - Nashville, TN - Lightning 100’s Live On the Green Aug. 31 - Nashville, TN - Blue Room at Third Man Records - SOLD OUT
Fall 2017 Oct. 12 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall* Oct. 13 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall # - SOLD OUT Oct. 14 - St Paul,MN - Palace Theatre # Oct. 15 - Lincoln, NE - Rococo Theatre # Oct. 17 - Missoula, MT - Wilma Theater # Oct. 18 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theater # Oct. 19 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theater # Oct. 20 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theate # - SOLD OUT Oct. 21 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre # Oct. 26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian* - SOLD OUT Oct. 27 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy & Harriet’s* - SOLD OUT Oct. 28 - San Diego, CA - Balboa # Oct. 29 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren # Oct. 30 - Albuquerque, NM - El Rey # Nov. 01 - Dallas, TX - The Kessler # - SOLD OUT Nov. 02 - San Antonio, TX - The Aztec Theater # Nov. 03 - Houston, TX - The Heights # - SOLD OUT Nov. 04 - New Orleans, LA - Joy Theater # Nov. 06 - Ft Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room# Nov. 07 - Orlando, FL - The Beacham # Nov. 09 - Washington DC - Lincoln Theatre # - SOLD OUT Nov. 10 - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall # Nov. 11 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center # - SOLD OUT Nov. 12 - Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre # Nov. 13 - New York, NY - Town Hall # Nov. 14 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel*
Winter 2018 Jan. 14 - Reykjavic, IS - Eidborg Jan. 16 - Helsinki, FI - House of Culture Jan. 18 - Stockholm, SE - Nalen Jan. 19 - Oslo, NO - Sentrum Scene Jan. 20 - Gothenburg, SE - Pustervik Jan. 22 - Copenhagen, DK - Vega Jan. 23 - Aarhus, DK - Voxhall Jan. 25 - Berlin, DE - Huxleys Jan. 26 - Hamburg, DE - Uebel & Gefahrlich Jan. 27 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso Jan. 29 - Brussels, BE - Ancienne Belgique Jan. 30 - Cologne, DE - Gloria Feb. 01 - Munich, DE - Muffathalle Feb. 02 - Zurich, CH - X-Tra Feb. 05 - Milan, IT - Santeria Social Club Feb. 06 - Vienna, AT - WUK Feb. 08 - Prague, CZ - Hybernia Feb. 10 - Wiesbadan, DE - Sclachthof Feb. 11 - Paris, FR - Cafe De La Danse Feb. 13 - Birmingham, UK - Symphony Hall Feb. 14 - Dublin, IE - The Helix Feb. 15 - Manchester, UK - Bridgewater Hall Feb. 16 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo
% w/Lydia Loveless # w/John Moreland * w/OHMME
What “The People” are saying about Beast Epic: “Everything about Beast Epic feels true to Iron & Wine. Beam neither abandons his greater ambitions nor overindulges. He’s making a return trip to his roots, offering a gentle reminder of his early records’ simple beauty while allowing himself the freedom to build.” - American Songwriter
“A confident album from an artist who isn’t afraid to merge the past and present, Sam Beam continues to audibly demonstrate why he’s one of the most gifted songwriters of his time.” [8.1/10] - PASTE
“Beam has written his most affecting, impressive set of songs in a long time—maybe ever—and that’s saying something for a guy whose songwriting rarely misses, even when he’s stretching his sonic wings. Beast Epic strikes a perfect balance between gorgeous and world-weary from the first note to the last.” [Grade: A] – AV CLUB
It is the sound of Iron & Wine returning home, ending one chapter and beginning another…He finds comfort in retracing his own steps. This doesn’t mean sacrificing production value or abandoning the use of outside players, but everything here takes a backseat to Beam’s melodies. When subtleties appear—the vocal harmonies that underscore the emotional swells of “Bitter Truth,” the despondent violins and dusty pianos echoing from what sounds like another room in “Summer Clouds”—they are in service of songs that could stand comfortably without them. Working as his own producer with a live recording style and few overdubs, Beam has never sounded more in control. Even the album’s most sweeping production, the slow-building single “Call It Dreaming,” remains focused as Beam adds percussion, cello, and keys to his pristine and determined vocals. When the album closes with the fragile “Our Light Miles,” and Beam attempts to lob a delicate falsetto as a big finish, it cements Beast Epic as some of the best singing of his career. - Pitchfork
“Fifteen years after his first album, Sam Beam still has the capacity to surprise…Beast Epic serves as a valuable way point in Iron & Wine’s still-evolving legacy. Whatever sonic paths his next record treads, Beam has proven, to his fans’ great relief, that he’ll always know the way back home. ” [Grade: B] - Consequence of Sound
“With Beast Epic, Beam enlists the beguiling calm in his manner–he reaches for the cooling restraint of his masterful Our Endless Numbered Days, and polishes it with the draping bougainvillea in his beard, a robust production that’s decidedly stripped, at its best moments approaching the finest parts of The Shepherd’s Dog.” -Under The Radar
“The album may lack an atmosphere of immediacy but you’ll soon love it, from the charms of the gently chugging Bitter Truth via the sublime melody of Call It Dreaming.” - [4/5] Sunday Times ‘Album of the Week’
“With Beast Epic Beam has delivered a suite of songs that is equal to anything he’s done before.” - The Quietus
“Iron & Wine’s sixth album essays yet more romantic, Americana–tinged songwriting… The songs may be modest, but their sure–footed craft creates profound, 12 tog comfort” [4/5] The Guardian
“The record unfolds its songs of faith, hope and sudden clarity slowly, little glints and catches commanding attention. It might not look like its going to leap out and grab you, but Beam here launches a soft emotional punch.” [4/5] - MOJO
“Beam employs pastoral and ecclesiastical imagery to capture those moments of rapture, regret and redemption that become life markers.”[8/10] - Uncut
“Beast Epic marks a loop back to the more insular feel of his earlier material, from the bare–boned opener Claim Your Ghost to the gentle warmth of Call It Dreaming. The result is surprisingly refreshing – a kind of father–to–son conversation between songwriter and song.” [4/5] - Q Magazine
“Beast Epic is an effortless acoustic swell… A warm, kind album that has songs up there with Beam’s best.” [4/5] - Record Collector
“A superb collection of musings on the passing of time… One of our finest contemporary songwriters.” [4/5] - Shindig
“Timeless American folk that charms the listener with its sense of comfort and calm… A dreamy delight from start to finish.”[9/10] - Long Live Vinyl
“Beam’s dynamic playing is pitched perfectly with the soothing qualities of his voice and melodies… One of his strongest records yet.”[8/10]Guitarist
“There’s a warm and welcoming intimacy throughout this album… One of Beam’s strongest musical statements yet.” [4/5] - Total Guitar
“The maturity of a life long lived forms the basis of the album’s 11 songs… This is tender and meditative music that contemplates the complex tapestry of existence.” - Classic Rock
Fortunately for our eyes (and ears), Iron & Wine and returning director J. Austin Wilson (“Call It Dreaming”) made this delightful video for “Thomas County Law” from Beast Epic, his forthcoming album due out August 25th.
The winsome and sly visual stars Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam as a preacher preparing for a funeral service.
NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson had this to say of the video and the forthcoming album: “Iron & Wine will release Beast Epic, a new album that scales back the densely arranged grandeur of recent records like Ghost On Ghost and Kiss Each Other Clean. Though nowhere near as harrowingly spare as the bedroom recordings on which Beam first made his name, Beast Epic still feels like a return to roots; to simple, unadorned, plainspoken warmth....Last month, Iron & Wine released the album’s first single, “Call It Dreaming.” Now comes a follow-up: “Thomas County Law,” a gently rendered mid-tempo ballad whose accompanying video finds Beam decorating a church and giving a eulogy for what turns out to be his own (unattended) funeral (see video premiere July 26th).”
Beast Epic is now available for preorder from Sub Pop here, Iron & Wine’s official webstore, and select independent retailers … in the following formats:
A Deluxe 2xLP version on red & blue vinyl with alternate artwork, two bonus tracks from the Beast Epic recording sessions along with three home recorded demos and an etching on side D.
Iron & Wine has scheduled an extensive U.S. tour with a full band in support of Beast Epic beginning with a two night stand in Chicago on October 12th and 13th (both at Thalia Hall), and ends with a two night stand in New York in November 13th (at Town Hall) and 14th (at Brooklyn Steel). The fall tour is preceded by a week long jaunt through the Southeastern U.S., which spans August 26th through August 30th. For up to date information on tickets, please visit ironandwine.com/tours.
Summer 2017 Aug. 26 - Fayetteville, AR - Roots Festival - SOLD OUT Aug. 27 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note % Aug. 28 - Chattanooga, TN - Tivoli Theatre % Aug. 29 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn % - SOLD OUT Aug. 30 - Louisville, KY - WFPK on the Waterfront Aug. 31 - Nashville, TN - Lightning 100’s Live On the Green
Fall 2017 Oct. 12 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall* Oct. 13 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall # - SOLD OUT Oct. 14 - St Paul,MN - Palace Theatre # Oct. 15 - Lincoln, NE - Rococo Theatre # Oct. 17 - Missoula, MT - Wilma Theater # Oct. 18 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theater Oct. 19 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theater # Oct. 20 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater - SOLD OUT Oct. 21 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre Oct. 26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian* Oct. 27 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy & Harriet’s* - SOLD OUT Oct. 28 - San Diego, CA - Balboa # Oct. 29 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren # Oct. 30 - Albuquerque, NM - El Rey # Nov. 01 - Dallas, TX - The Kessler # - SOLD OUT Nov. 02 - San Antonio, TX - The Aztec Theater # Nov. 03 - Houston, TX - The Heights # - SOLD OUT Nov. 04 - New Orleans, LA - Joy Theater # Nov. 06 - Ft Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room# Nov. 07 - Orlando, FL - The Beacham # Nov. 09 - Washington DC - Lincoln Theatre # Nov. 10 - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall # Nov. 11 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center # - SOLD OUT Nov. 12 - Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre # Nov. 13 - New York, NY - Town Hall # Nov. 14 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel*
