The Dears will give fans a special preview of their forthcoming album when they play a series of residencies where they will play the new album in full. The eight residency shows - three consecutive nights in Toronto and Montreal and two in Brooklyn (tour dates below) - will recapture the essence of the band's immensely successful string of shows in Mexico City this past May.
The Dears will be donating proceeds from every merch sale at these residencies to Montreal City Mission and War Child. "Some of the items are rare, might be the wrong size, while some things are out of print and may be sold at ridiculous prices. But this is not just about raising money. People hurt everywhere, all the time, and in so many ways. Essentially, this is what we sing about and sometimes singing just ain't enough. By taking some of this stuff off our hands, hopefully folks will remember who they're helping and why," says the band of the endeavor.
The Dears' upcoming album, slated for an early 2011 release, is a welcome return to form for the band that won the adoration of countless critics and fans. Praised for their "themes of love, isolation and racism while delivering instantly accessible melodies" by Rolling Stone, Filter Magazine applauded their "astoundingly complex, deeply evocative pop." Pitchfork congratulated the band for their "earnestness decidedly lacking in today's indie landscape" while Complex raved "The Dears split the difference between morose and uplifting melodic rock better than anyone since the Smiths." Penthouse simply said The Dears are "a must-listen for fans of introspective British rock."
The new record and touring lineup also marks the return of guitarists Patrick Krief and Rob Benvie, early-era bassist Roberto Arquilla as well as newcomer Jeff Luciani on drums. In addition, of course, to singer Murray Lightburn and keyboardist Natalia Yanchak. The band mentions that "we've seen many line-up changes, but this one is quite special. Some of our relationships, and friendships, go back over 10 years. The result has been powerful and chilling, like some cosmic design intent on blowing you away."
