Bright Eyes Announces New EP, ‘Kids Table,’ Featuring Collaboration with Hurray for the Riff Raff
Bright Eyes, the indie folk project fronted by Conor Oberst, is capping off a busy August with exciting news for fans. Following a recent North American tour kickoff in Ojai, California, and a playful defeat in a lookalike contest, the band has announced a new EP titled Kids Table.The eight-track collection is slated for release on September 26 via Dead Oceans.This declaration arrives as Bright Eyes continues its tour, with a single Canadian stop scheduled for this Friday, August 29th, at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl. Kids Table promises a diverse sonic landscape, building on the band’s established sound while exploring new territory.
A Taste of What’s to Come
The EP includes the previously released track,”1st World Blues,” a surprising and well-received foray into the ska genre. Today, Bright Eyes shared another preview of Kids Table with the release of “Dyslexic Palindrome.”
Notably,”Dyslexic Palindrome” features a collaboration with alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff,who previously joined Bright Eyes on tour earlier this year. This partnership adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the upcoming EP.
Oberst on Collaborating with Segarra
Conor Oberst shared his profound admiration for Segarra, describing her as a deeply soulful artist. He noted her unique ability to connect with the history of American music, stating, “Everything that passes through them is haunted by the weary ghost of American music past.”
Oberst continued, praising Segarra’s presence and ability to blend the tangible with the ethereal, calling her a captivating performer who seems to exist between worlds. this collaboration clearly holds significant artistic weight for Oberst.
Kids table Tracklist: A Full Look
Here’s the complete tracklist for Kids Table, offering a glimpse into the musical journey Bright Eyes has crafted:
- Kids Table
- Cairns (When Your Heart Belongs to Everyone)
- 1st World Blues
- Sharp Cutting Wings (Song to a Poet)
- it Always Feels Good and It Never Hurts
- Dyslexic Palindrome (feat. Hurray for the Riff Raff)
- Shakespeare in a Nutshell
- Victory City
What This Means for Fans
If you’re a longtime Bright Eyes fan, Kids Table appears to be a continuation of the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve. The inclusion of ska elements and a collaboration with an artist as respected as Alynda Segarra suggests a fresh and exciting chapter for the project.
For new listeners, this EP offers an accessible entry point into Bright Eyes’ emotionally resonant songwriting and Oberst’s distinctive vocal style. Ultimately, Kids Table promises to be a compelling addition to the band’s already notable discography.
You can find more information about Bright Eyes and their tour dates on their official website and through Dead Oceans. Don’t miss the chance to catch them live in Vancouver this Friday!