Six years since his last album, José González gives us “Visions.” The new single comes with the announcement of a record, Local Valley, out September 17th via Mute. It’s an anticipated follow up to Vestiges & Claws, the Swedish singer-songwriter and Junip member’s acclaimed 2015 LP. The upcoming project’s second single is Dan’s DJ Pick of the Week!
Local Valley was recorded at González’s family home outside of Gothenburg. On it, the artist will sing in English, Swedish, and for the first time, Spanish. “El Invento” was released on its own in February prior to the announcement of the album, and sees González, whose family is from Argentina, embracing something new. Nonetheless, “El Invento,” like “Visions,” stays true to González’s signature warmth and gentleness. “The lyrics for ‘Visions’ came to me in early February 2020 just as there were more and more tweets about the possible pandemic,” he explained in a Facebook post. “The topic of the song felt very timely. You can hear the birds and ambient sounds from the veranda, along with a layer of synth loops in the background.”
Look at the magic of reality
While accepting with all honesty
That we can’t know for sure what’s next
No we can’t know for sure what’s next
But that we’re in this together
We are here together
The track is beautiful and full of optimism, despite the challenging circumstances that inspired it. González masterfully manages to avoid cliche as he tackles weighty topics like the fate of humanity and our connection as a species—likely, at least in part, thanks to the time he takes off between albums. In contrast to his earlier projects, Local Valley’s artwork is in full bold color. If the first two singles are any indicator of what we can expect from the record, it promises to be something we haven’t seen from the artist before.
Be sure to tune into 100.1 FM or lightning100.com to hear “Visions” by José González featured as Dan’s DJ Pick of the Week. Be sure to let us know your thoughts! Tweet at us with #L100DJPick and share your take on the track.
