The Breeders aren’t exactly prolific, which is why today’s announcement of a new EP, Fate to Fatal, set to arrive so closely after 2008’s Mountain Battles, is a welcome treat. What’s more, Former Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan provides vocals. And the band recorded a cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Chances Are” for the four-song set, which they will self-release April 21.
During breaks in their tour last year, the Breeders — Kim Deal, Kelley Deal, Cheryl Lyndsey (guitar), Mando Lopez (bass), and Jose Medeles (drums) — recorded the EP at a studio in England, at producer Steve Albini’s Chicago digs, and in the basement of Kim’s Dayton, OH, home.
“We booked time at a place called the Fortress in London and worked with a guy named Gareth Parton (Fucked Up, Go Team!, Killers),” Kim says. “At the beginning, Gareth and I were really snitty towards each other, which can turn out bad or good. And it turned out really good.” She adds of the EP’s brighter sound: “We’ve discovered the treble knob!
Fate to Fatal‘s album art will feature a work by Chris Glass, who designed the logo for Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “We’re getting some fancy craft paper for 12-inch sleeves,” Kim says. “And Kelley and I are going to personally hand-screen the artwork.”
In February the Breeders joined up with St. Louis’ Arch Rival roller derby team to shoot the music video for the EP’s title track. The final product has yet to be released, but you can check out photos from the video shoot here.
Fate to Fatal tracklist:
1. “Fate to Fatal”
2. “The Last Time”
3. “Chances Are”
4. “Pinnacle Hollow”
More Breeders on SPIN.com:
>> Mountain Battles (4AD)
>> A Weekend with the Breeders
>> The Breeders Brave Blizzard, Rock Buffalo
