March 3, 2011 15:36

Art Brut announce new album, free download and London gigs – ticket details

Eddie Argos' band set to play five nights in London

Photo: Timothy Cochrane/NME

Art Brut have revealed details of their new album, a free download and a London residency.

London's pop situationists release their fourth record, 'Brilliant… Tragic!', on May 23 through Cooking Vinyl. It is preceded by a single, 'Lost Weekend', a week earlier on May 16.

Like its predecessor 'Art Brut Vs Satan', the album was produced by Pixies legend Black Francis, but Eddie Argos has revealed things were different this time: "We had more time in the studio this time, so Black Francis had time to teach me to sing. I'm very proud that I sing on it. Only took four albums to start singing, not bad."

Explaining the record's themes, Argos continued: "'Bang Bang Rock & Roll' did what it said on the tin. 'It's A Bit Complicated' was a bit complicated. On 'Art Brut Vs Satan' we had to fight Satan. This one follows the same pattern, it is a brilliant, tragic, record. If it was a TV show you'd define it as a dramedy."

Art Brut are also offering a free track, 'Unprofessional Wrestling', along with a host of extras via Pledgemusic.

The tracklisting for 'Brilliant… Tragic!' is:

'Clever Clever Jazz'
'Lost Weekend'
'Bad Comedian'
'Sexy Sometimes'
'Is Dog Eared'
'Martin Kemp Welch Five-A-Side Football Rules!'
'Axel Rose'
'I Am The Psychic'
'Ice Hockey'
'Sealand'

To celebrate the album's release, the band will play a consecutive five-night residency at London's Lexington starting from May 30. To check the availability of Art Brut tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.