It’s been nearly six years since the Swedish singer-songwriter José González released his last solo studio album Vestiges and Claws. With the delivery of the serene single “Visions,” González announced his long-awaited follow-up titled Local Valley. It comes September 17 via Mute Records.
González said in statement that Local Valley isn’t far off from his previous solo work. “I set out to write songs in the same vein as my old ones: short, melodic, and rhythmical, a mixture of classic folk singer songwriting and songs with influences from Latin America and Africa,” he said. Local Valley is a direct reflection of his current thoughts and beliefs, he adds: “Many of these songs have a crystal-clear, secular humanist agenda: anti-dogma, pro-reason.”
On “Visions” he employs found sounds of bird chirps, floor creaks, and white noise of the wind. As opposed to his last single “El Invento,” which centered around lush finger-plucking, “Visions” is grounded by warm guitar strums and string slaps. He sings about humanity’s unavoidable life cycle and illustrious possibilities as a result of the past’s lessons. “Visions, look at the magic of reality / While accepting with honesty / That we can’t know for sure what’s next,” he sings wisely.
With his thoughtful lyricism and gentle delivery, González’s music feels like it holds an answer; it feels like a resolution. And, “Visions” is no different. Listen to it below and pre-order Local Valley here.
