Cosmic folk band The Lonesome Heroes are an Austin institution. Though they’ve made plenty of appearances alongside popular indie-rock bands on some of Austin’s most distinguished stages, their real claims to fame have been quietly amassed while most of the city looked the other way. They’ve shared the stage with artists like Jim James and Phosphorescent and had their music featured on the television show Nashville. They’ve packed Hole in the Wall on many a night. Over the past several years, the group’s core members have been Rich Russell and Landry McMeans, but the band’s upcoming record marks the split of these romantic partners. A new full band, assembled by Russell, toured throughout much of last year and recorded the songs that comprise the band’s forthcoming album, Can’t Stand Still, due out next week.
The Lonesome Heroes create ambling folk grooves that recall Wilco or AA Bondy but possess a spaced-out Austin flair that makes the group’s aesthetic distinct. Today, we’re proud to premiere the band’s new song “Long Time Coming,” taken from their forthcoming album. Carried by a plodding, somber tone, the song utilizes sparse bass notes as Russell’s vocals unfold wonderfully. The chorus embraces both the pain and possibility of a relationship’s end as Russell sings, “It’s been a long time comin’ / But change is bound to find us soon / Been living like long distance lovers,” over high octave guitar strums and steady drums. Russell promises that Can’t Stand Still isn’t a breakup record, but more of an exploration of his recent years. He’s got his eyes focused on a point on the highway far down the road, even if he’s glancing in the rear view mirror on occasion.
Stream “Long Time Coming” below, and check out more of The Lonesome Heros on their Bandcamp page, where you’ll soon be able to pre-order Can’t Stand Still. They’ll celebrate the release of the album with a show at Spiderhouse Ballroom on January 23, this Friday night.
