Shellac Reveal First New Album in a Decade

To All Trains comes out on May 17th via Touch & Go Records

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Ron Hart 0 Comments 2024, Bob Weston, Shellac, Steve Albini, To All Trains, Todd Trainer, Touch and Go Records

Shellac’s To All Trains on vinyl (Image: Touch & Go Records)

Producer Steve Albini’s celebrated noise rock power trio Shellac is back with their first album of new material in a decade, To All Trains, coming out on May 17th via Touch & Go Records.

The band’s sixth studio LP, it follows the release of Dude Incredible back in 2014, which seems like a lifetime ago, right? It was recorded and mixed at where else but Albini’s own Electrical Audio in Chicago over the course of a series of long weekends across four non-concurrent years in November 2017, October 2019, September 2021 and March 2022. The album was mastered by Albini and bassist Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Studio.

“Audio quality is paramount, as always, with Shellac,” the band, rounded out by drummer Todd Trainer, assures in the album announcement.

The LPs are being manufactured by Green Vinyl Records using an injection molding process. This new process uses 100% recyclable PET (like soda bottles) and is environmentally friendly, containing no PVC or Phthalates. The process also uses 79 percent less CO2 than conventional hydraulic PVC vinyl presses. The records weigh 180 grams.

As with every other Shellac release in the last 30 years, the band are doing no favors for radio or the press.

“Other than the informational sheet you hold in your hand (or virtual hand), this record will have no formal promotion,” they wrote in the statement. “There will be no advertisements, no press or radio promotion, no e-promotion, no promotional or review copies, no promotional gimmick items, and otherwise no free lunch.”

As far as touring is concerned, the trio is keeping any immediate plans close to the vest like Albini does at the poker table.

“The band will continue to play shows or tour at the same sporadic and relaxed pace as always,” they reveal. “There is no correlation between shows and record releases.”

Shellac reminds us they still don’t have an official website, but promises that To All Trains will be available on most streaming services upon its arrival in stores on May 17th.

There is no first single to share, but find the album’s tracklist below.

DURATION: 28:08

TRACK LISTING ◇ 10 songs

SIDE A

WSOD / Girl From Outside / Chick New Wave / Tattoos / Wednesday

SIDE B

Scrappers / Days Are Dogs / How I Wrote How I Wrote Elastic Man (cock & bull) / Scabby the Rat / I Don’t Fear Hell