“As with most of Finn’s solo records…its storytelling is just as sharp and squalid and granular as ever.” -Stereogum
“Noir-story mode…expansive new sound textures.” -Rolling Stone
With the release of Craig Finn‘s album I Need A New War (Partisan Records), the Hold Steady frontman completes a trilogy of solo albums with producer/collaborator Josh Kaufman (The National, Hiss Golden Messenger, Walter Martin, Josh Ritter) and engineer D. James Goodwin (Danger Mouse, Bob Weir, David Wax Museum). The trilogy also includes Finn’s prior albums Faith in the Future (2015) and We All Want The Same Things(2017).
“The three albums together look at the same people, but from different angles,” Finn writes. “The characters in the songs on this record, and the last two, are trying to keep up and keep their heads above water.” This perspective allows Finn to delve into intriguing character studies centered around regular people attempting to respond to the demands of extraordinary times, hoping to find connection while wondering how to keep pace with a world moving faster than they are.
The album’s opening track and lead single “Blankets” describes a troubled relationship, backed by a steady drum beat and vibrato-laden guitars. “Something to Hope For” (released with a live video) is one of Finn’s more upbeat tracks, anchored by a sprightly horn section.
I Need A New War is a triumphant celebration of Finn’s movement into one of the most captivating musical storytellers in modern times. The album is released (April 24) alongside a hardcover lyric book entitled I Can’t Keep Saying Thank You, featuring lyrics from Finn’s past three albums and select photographs from Dan Monick.