ART BRUT: COMPLICATED

Art Brut Unveil 4 New Songs + First Single “Nag Nag Nag Nag”
From Forthcoming Sophomore Release It’s A Bit Complicated
On Downtown Records Out June 19

Art Brut

Having just finished Art Brut second full-length, It’s a Bit Complicated, Eddie Argos and crew are set to head back on the road this spring and summer, playing dates across the U.S. and Europe with Maximo Park in tow. Argos claims the new record is poppier than the first–could that be possible? Either way, with tracks titled “Pump Up the Volume” and “I Will Survive,” expect it to be tongue-in-cheek and rancorously funny.

And yes, it might just lead to peace in the Middle East.

Tracklisting

Pump Up The Volume
Direct Hit
Post Soothing Out
Late Sunday
Nag Nag Nag Nag

April Mini Tour

04.17 | New York, NY | Bowery Ballroom
04.18 | Brooklyn, NY | Studio B
04.19 | Toronto, Ont | The Mod Club
04.20 | Chicago, IL | Subterranean
04.21 | Los Angeles, CA | Troubadour

All tour dates available here.

It makes sense that Art Brut share its name with the mid-20th century art movement characterized by a breaking of traditional cultural boundaries. Much like that Art Brut–outsiderish, rebellious, punk before punk–this Art Brut, too, is deliciously libertine.

Art Brut was willed into being in 2003 by its sardonic frontman Eddie Argos. Argos seemed to think that everyone should be in a band–why not? Jonathan Richman-obsessed and more of a talker than a singer, Argos fronted The Art Goblins in his native Bournemouth, before packing up for London and convincing guitarists Jasper Future and Ian Catskilkin, bassist Frederica Feedback and drummer Mikey B to record a demo. The band recorded Brutlegs in 2004, and it included early versions of “Modern Art,” “Formed a Band,” and “Moving to LA.” “Emily Kane” was released in early 2005, about, yes, Argos’ actual high school love. It didn’t win her back (she’s got a boyfriend, natch), but it did turn Art Brut into a buzz band in their native UK.

A few months later the band released Bang Bang Rock and Roll. Touring commenced. They played with Oasis, and performed at Coachella. Then came the cover of Rolling Stone in Germany. There seemed a good chance that Argos might get his long-held wish of playing on Top of the Pops (it never happened).