Album Review: The Extra Lens - Undercard

After eight years and a small name change, John Darnielle and Franklin Bruno return as The Extra Lens with Undercard.

Musically, it’s difficult to separate The Extra Lens from Darnielle’s main act, The Mountain Goats, these days. In 2002 it was still a novelty to hear Darnielle in hi-fi and with more than just acoustic guitar.

Now the differences are more subtle: the gentler use of percussion, the nimble arrangements and the variety of musical styles. While Darnielle’s lyrics will always take center stage, Bruno does an excellent job creating an atmosphere for each song.

Stream The Extra Lens' new album 'Undercard'

The new album from The Extra Lens (John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Franklin Bruno of Nothing Painted Blue and The Human Hearts) titled Undercard is not due out until Oct. 19 via Merge Records, but you can now stream the entire album via the label's website.

You can download the song "Only Existing Footage from the album below and check out more details on the album here.

The band have some surprises in store for the fall, including some tour dates and maybe some other things. We'll definitely keep you posted when more info surfaces.

Merge Records signs Mountain Goats, releasing new Extra Lens album

Merge Records has added another new artist to their roster. The Mountain Goats have joined the label's roster, but really they seem to have signed John Darielle, since his first Merge release will be a new album from The Extra Lens (formerly known as The Extra Glenns), his group with Franklin Bruno.

Thew album from The Extra Lens, titled Undercard will be released on Oct. 19. The album was recorded with Brian Paulson at the Rubber Room in Carrboro and with Mitch Rackin at Seaside Lounge in Brooklyn.

Check out the full track list of Undercard below and download the track "Only Existing Footage."