Bad Bad Hats Announce New LP Out 8/3 on Afternoon Records, 1st Single “Write It On Your Heart” + Summer Tour
Bad Bad Hats
Announce Sophomore Album Lightning Round
Due Out August 3 on Afternoon Records
1st Single “Write It On Your Heart” Released Today
Summer Tour Kicks Off Next Week
Photo Credit: Zoe Prinds-Flash
Minneapolis-based Bad Bad Hats have announced their sophomore full-length album, Lightning Round, out August 3 via Afternoon Records (Yellow Ostrich, Haley Bonar, John Vanderslice). The 10-song collection explores themes of dependence and independence in relationships, bolstered by the band’s signature equal parts grit-and-melody instrumental compositions.
Lead single “Write It On Your Heart” is a rebellious and reflective song about the end of a relationship, where the ender of the relationship wants it both ways: they want to leave you for someone else, but they want your blessing too. “I haven’t always stood up for myself in situations like this,” shares frontwoman and lyricist Kerry Alexander. “So this song is an ode to the version of me that does.”
Bad Bad Hats are Kerry Alexander (vocals, guitar), Chris Hoge (guitar and bass), and Connor Davison (drums). Encouraged to record live in the studio by producer and longtime collaborator Brett Bullion (who also produced their debut album Psychic Reader), there is a tangible vulnerability to the spontaneous approach (fluttering tape loops, a few wrong notes) which feels as honest and unpredictable as Alexander’s lyrics.
Since the release of their debut album, the indie rock trio has toured extensively, sharing stages with The Front Bottoms, Margaret Glaspy and Third Eye Blind. They head back on the road next week, kicking off a summer tour including stops in NYC, LA, Boston and Chicago. On Lightning Round, the band emerges with a record of catchy pop melodies that are both dreamy and strikingly deep. Be sure to experience the raucous Bad Bad Hats live show in a city near you!
“Vocalist/guitarist Kerry Alexander’s pure voice might be called “sweet” or “childlike,” but her innocence is belied by her apt songwriting, which translates her experiences into poignant, universal stories.” – Pitchfork
“terse, honest lyrics suggest a weathered wisdom.” – The New Yorker
“… programmed to fire all neural pathways associated with carefree indie rock fun. But beware: These lyrics will bite.” – NPR
” …meshing of dreamy synth beats, distorted guitar, and Alexander’s serene croon bouncing over hand claps make it the perfect, dreamy-pop summer soundtrack.” – PAPER
“A gritty two-and-a-half minutes of wobbly bass, wailing guitar, and front woman Kerry Alexander’s slinky vocals, it is a blast—and there is more like this to come.” – FADER
“‘Shame’ goes down like a refreshing, kick-you-in-the-face-strong cocktail, most likely swilled after a booty call gone bust. Wash that man right out of your hair.” – SPIN (Artist To Watch)
“Complete with the crunchy kick of slightly manic-sounding guitar and the pulse of some very punchy bass…” – Paste Magazine
“ …the love-struck optimism of “Psychic Reader” harkens back to some of Wilson’s preferred buoyant romanticism” – Stereogum
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Bad Bad Hats National Tour Dates
6/1: Chicago, IL @ Do Division Street Fest
6/2: Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
6/3: Milwaukee, WI @ Colectivo Coffee
6/9: Des Moines, IA @ Stewart Square Park
6/10: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
6/12: Columbus, OH @ The Basement
6/13: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
6/14: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
6/15: Toronto, On @ The Drake Hotel
6/16: Syracuse, NY @ Spark Art Space
6/17: Buffalo, NY @ The 9th Ward
6/19: Albany, NY @ The Linda
6/20: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
6/21: Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade NYC
6/22: Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
6/23: Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
6/24: Washington, DC @ Union Stage
6/26: Millvale, PA @ The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls
6/27: Indianapolis, IN @ The Hi-Fi
6/28: St. Louis, MO @ The Monocle
6/29: Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s
7/7: Duluth, MN @ Bayfront Festival Park