Wooden Shjips will release their newest LP V. tomorrow on Thrill Jockey. Written last summer in Portland, OR while forest fires in the Pacific Northwest rained down ash and colored the skies an apocalyptic orange, despite the circumstances, the record is focused on “peace, beauty and resistance.” V. finds guitarist/vocalist Ripley Johnson joined by drummer Omar Ahsanuddin, bassist Dusty Jermier, and keyboardist Nash Whalen. Basic tracking was recorded by Jason Powers at Types Foundry Studio in Portland, with vocals and guitar laid down by Johnson at his home studio, and the album was mixed by Chicago’s Cooper Crain (Cave, Circuit Des Yeux).
“Already Gone” is our newest listen in on V., and it features the album’s summer warmth augmented by a gently “turned on” and glowing vibe. The video was shot in Portland, and in it, Johnson and bandmates revel in the joys of companionship and generous helpings of Spring sunshine. Featuring front porch guitar work, a friendly game of hacky sack and a cameo by labelmate Dewey Mahood of Plankton Wat, the visuals also find Wooden Shjips stopping by Mothership Music for an afternoon jam session.
