November 7, 2006 11:32

Bright Eyes writes apocalyptic new album

New LP is dominated by world disasters

Bright Eyes singer Conor Oberst has said that his new album will be a much darker affair with the end of the world, with Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami dominanting his sixth LP.

The as-yet-untitled record, which is due for a spring 2007 release, is also set to be more country-driven, with strong hints of folk rock and psychedelia than his previous efforts.

“The apocalypse is a prevalent theme in my new songs,” Oberst told Spin. “There’s a feeling in the world right now like everything is unravelling, but maybe that’s not a bad thing. I’m not convinced that the human race is good for this planet anyway.”

Along with Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami, some tracks will also concentrate on more personal issues, he added.

“The new songs are mostly stream of consciousness," said Oberst. "Telepathy is a big theme. If you just concentrate, you’ll know what I’m talking about.”

Tracks slated to appear on the album include ‘Lime Tree’, ‘Cartoon Blues’ and likely first single ‘Classic Cars’.

As previously reported on NME.COM Bright Eyes’ new album has been recorded with longtime producer Mike Mogis in New York, Portland, Oregon, Lincoln and Nebraska.

It will feature guest appearances from Gillian Welch and Sleater Kinney’s Janet Weiss.