Valerie June’s highly anticipated second album, The Order of Time, is set for release on January 27th, 2017 via Concord Records. On this enthralling and illuminating leap forward, the Tennessee-bred, Brooklyn based songwriter weaves electric blues, African rhythms, cosmic atmospherics and delicate soul into an inventive and wholly original rumination on love, family, struggle and the passing of time. Produced by Matt Marinelli (Beck, Bad Brains), The Order of Time includes twelve original songs all written by June, and features piano accompaniment from Norah Jones on three tracks and vocals from June’s father and brothers on the driving rocker “Shake Down.”
Musically, June has refined and expanded her sound on the new album finding space from her previous work in its artful, self-assured restraint and overall cohesion. The collection’s finely sketched character studies brim with richness and detail while June’s ethereal, wide-open soundscapes provide a sterling backdrop for her remarkable Southern gospel and honey voice. Lyrical touch points such as ‘dancing shadows,’ ‘hot suppers,’ ‘curious neighbors,’ and ‘holy water’ draw the listener in and root these songs with density and weight.
The “inevitability of change” and “time as the ruler of Earth’s rhythm,” are the album’s foundation, explains June. “And the knowledge that with resilience and faith things can work out.”
“Long Lonely Road” is a reflective and somber lament as June’s voice reverberates over ringing guitar and unhurried drums, whereas the entrancing blues of “If And” internalizes regret in the face of time’s relentless churn. On the spiritual “Astral Plane,” June’s mystical vocal takes an otherworldly turn; while the sumptuous string arrangement on “With You,” is reminiscent of Nico’s most affecting work.
The Order of Time follows June’s 2013 breakout LP, Pushin’ Against a Stone that established her as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents” according to the New York Times. She garnered praise from NPR, “a singular performer” and New York Magazine, “a powerful singer and a blunt, bruising songwriter.” June also made memorable appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, CONAN, CBS Saturday Morning, Rachael Ray, and Austin City Limits. She has toured with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Sturgill Simpson, and performed at Newport Folk Festival, Carnegie Hall, and much more.
Look for June, currently on tour with Norah Jones, to announce 2017 headlining dates shortly. (The European release of The Order of Time will be detailed soon.)
The Order of Time Track List:
1. Long Lonely Road
2. Love You Once Made
3. Shake Down
4. If And
5. Man Done Wrong
6. The Front Door
7. Astral Plane
8. Just In Time
9. With You
10. Slip Slide On By
11. Two Hearts
12. Got Soul
Pre-Order The Order of Time:
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/
Listen to “Astral Plane” on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/
More info on Valerie June:
valeriejune.com
