Photo by Jackie Lee Young

The Mountain Goats, known for their prolific musical output, defined vocals and unflinching musings, are set to release their latest album, Jenny From Thebes on Oct. 27 via Merge. The album is slated to be a sequel to their revered 2002 classic, All Hail West Texas and follows the success of their acclaimed record, Bleed Out, which released just last year.

Building on their reputation for storytelling and infectious sound, the band’s upcoming release has generated significant excitement, and to showcase their immersive musical experience–that captures the essence of their revered predecessor, All Hail West Texas–the band shared the project’s lead single “Clean Slate.”

With frontman John Darnielle’s familiar vocals on fill display the band arranges the scene for a rock opera centered around a character named Jenny who embarks on a journey to free her from the burdens of her past.

“People like to hedge bets by using terms like ‘concept album’ but let’s be clear, this is a rock opera about a woman named Jenny, who buys a Kawasaki to ride as far away as she can from a town she’s been carrying on her shoulders too long,” Darnielle shared. “‘Clean Slate’ sets the scene: this is the house Jenny rents; these are the people who crash there when they need a place to stay; this is where she’s at in the process of becoming someone other than the keyholder she’s been. Produced by Trina Shoemaker! Played by the Mountain Goats at the Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Respect to the real pirates of west Texas, still out there on the roads: may you remain one step ahead forever!”

Along with production by Shoemaker the album also features the guitar stylings of Bully’s Alicia Bognanno, horn and string arrangements from Matt Douglas, and backing vocals from renowned artists, The Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine and Matt Nathanson.

As the album’s release date approaches, the Mountain Goats have embarked on a thrilling summer and fall tour, presenting their music to eager audiences across the country. Fans can catch them live, including a performance at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on Aug. 4, where they will be supported by Pool Kids.

Listen to “Clean Slate” below.

The Mountain Goats Jenny From Thebes Track List:
1. Clean Slate
2. Ground Level
3. Only One Way
4. Fresh Tattoo
5. Cleaning Crew
6. Murder at the 18th St. Garage
7. From the Nebraska Plant
8. Same as Cash
9. Water Tower
10. Jenny III
11. Going to Dallas
12. Great Pirates