Western Australian’s Methyl Ethel (the project of Jake Webb) has today announced the release of their new album ‘Are You Haunted?’ for 18 February 2022 via their new label home, Future Classic. The nine-track album will contain previous singles ‘Neon Cheap’ and ‘Matters’, as well as the new single, ‘Proof’ featuring Stella Donnelly, out today.
‘Proof’ is a brightly bubbling stream with Donnelly and Webb trading lines above a hyperkinetic instrumentation. Is this a delightfully subtle case for science above stupidity (a relevant theme in the current era of climate change and COVID)?
I’ve got numbers
to clear things up for you
take a chance on proof
if you want to?
‘Proof’ is the first Methyl Ethel song to feature an additional singer: in this case, fellow Western Australian art-pop stalwart and one-time Methyl Ethel guitarist, Stella Donnelly. Webb says:
Stella is one of the most truth-telling artists I’ve ever heard. It made for a perfect match.
Donnelly continues:
Working on ‘Proof’ with Jake felt like being invited to the set of your favourite movie, such an insightful and wonderful experience.
For the listener, it is the sound of two wonderful artists creating something magical. The music is epic, widescreen and expansive with sweeping strings and an almost ska-influenced off-beat splash punctuating the flow. The vocals have a dry wit and sparkling delivery.
Directed by Webb, the video is a charming monochromatic depiction of the two singers having fun in overalls with art – the chemistry is endearing and the music uplifting:
‘Proof’ is out now and available to stream and download here. You can pre-order ‘Are You Haunted?’ through the link below:
Methyl Ethel will tour the album in the coming months, with several headline shows throughout April and festival appearances at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass, Perth Festival and Bambra’s Meadow Music Festival set to feature the new expanded live line-up, which includes two drummers.
Fri 25 Feb – Perth Festival, Perth, WA
Sat 26 Mar – Meadow Festival, Bambra, VIC
Thur 21 April – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Fri 22 April – Roundhouse, Sydney, NSW
Wed 27 April – The Night Cat, Melbourne, VIC
Thur 28 April – TheNight Cat, Melbourne, VIC
Fri 29 April – The Night Cat, Melbourne, VIC
Sat 23 July – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW
Tickets available now from methylethel.com
Feature Photograph: Xan Thorrhoea
