On October 21, Archers of Loaf will release their new album, Reason in Decline, via Merge Records. It marks the band’s first full-length studio album in over two decades. The LP was recently lauded in The New York Times’ Fall Preview, which noted that “singer-guitarist Eric Bachmann reclaims the band’s lovably ornery spirit, working in the hard truths of middle age.” In addition, Brooklyn Vegan included the LP in its “Albums We’re Anticipating for Fall 2022” feature. 

Throughout the LP, the band reshapes its powerful twin-guitar tumult into expansive backdrops that sparkle and cast shadows around Bachmann’s haunting ballads. Today they release “Aimee,” a dusty, fingerpicked ode that echoes plaintively in a light-streaked cave of plinks, flutters, and moaning guitar twang. Bachmann explains: “Right in the middle of an album about war profiteering, suicide ideation, modern propaganda and the struggle against anti-intellectualism comes this brief exhalation in the form of a tender, albeit dystopian, love song.”  

Though Archers of Loaf have played a handful of reunion shows in the past couple of decades, the band is set to embark on their first tour in support of Reason in Decline this fall, and today they announce additional tour dates for 2023. The first leg kicks off November 29 in Baltimore and includes stops in Philadelphia, Boston, Brooklyn, and Richmond before concluding in Asheville on December 4. The newly confirmed dates start on January 10 in Pittsburgh and conclude in Seattle on February 12. Along the way, the band will stop in Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Tickets for the 2022 dates are on sale now, and tickets for the 2023 tour go on sale Friday, September 30, at 10am local here. All shows are listed below. 

Archers of Loaf previously shared the roaring “Screaming Undercover” and lead single “In the Surface Noise.” The tracks have seen support from, among other outlets, NPR, Under the Radar, No Depression, and American Songwriter.

Early praise for Reason in Decline:

“the North Carolina rockers sound furious about, well, everything, as they well should! Over ear-splitting distortion and explosive drums, Eric Bachmann’s sandpaper vocals sound ready to tear it all down.” —Stereogum

“a strident, anthemic single.” —SPIN on “In the Surface Noise”

“[‘In the Surface Noise’] starts with Eric Bachmann’s signature throaty croon and oscillating guitars. It’s evocative of a stadium rock jam, building slowly into an 80s rock chorus reminiscent of the heartiness of Bruce Springsteen.” —Paste

“a sprawling, massive-sounding tune that finds a smart balance between past and present” —Consequence on “In the Surface Noise”

“fiery, anthemic” —Brooklyn Vegan on “In the Surface Noise”

“The lead singles from Reason in Decline suggest that they’ve had a lot of ragged punk rock energy still left in the tank. They sound as loud and raucous as ever, and it’s hard not to be excited about that.” —Treble

“a new song that reveals the thunderous sound of the album” —Louder Than War

Archers of Loaf on tour:
Nov 29 Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
Nov 30 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA
Dec 01 The Sinclair – Boston, MA
Dec 02 Warsaw – Brooklyn, NY
Dec 03 The Broadberry – Richmond, VA
Dec 04 Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
Jan 10 Thunderbird Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
Jan 11 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
Jan 12 El Club – Detroit, MI
Jan 13 The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
Jan 14 Delmar Hall – St. Louis, MO
Jan 15 Basement East – Nashville, TN
Feb 07 Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA
Feb 08 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
Feb 10 Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
Feb 11 Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
Feb 12 Neumos – Seattle, WA