Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn’s luxuriant, consciousness-expanding collaborative LP Pigments is here, and to celebrate its release, they’re sharing a new, Richard-directed video for standout third movement track “Crimson.” Pigments is available on CD and opaque baby blue Peak Vinyl from the Merge store and participating independent record stores. In addition, Vinyl Me, Please is carrying an exclusive bone & baby blue splatter pressing, and Rough Trade is offering a sandstone & opal version.

The richness of Pigments defies classification—not strictly neoclassical, jazz, or ambient electronic, the project is one long composition that flows through several “movements” guided by five lead instruments: clarinet, saxophone, guitar, strings, and Richard’s stripped-down vocals. Marking Richard’s first step into the contemporary classical world, Pigments reveals a new facet of her limitless talents and provides a fresh introduction to Zahn, whose intimate, sprawling soundscapes play with principles of open space and motion. Listen to and share Pigments now!

Advance praise for Pigments:

“What a fascinating career Dawn Richard is carving out. With this week’s release of Pigments, her new collaborative album with producer and composer Spencer Zahn, the New Orleans singer-songwriter’s evolution from expressly commercial pop to avant-garde experimentalism is beginning to parallel Scott Walker’s in its unexpected audacity.” —Stereogum

“This collaboration between musical powerhouses Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn creates a mesmerizing and ethereal soundscape. Richard’s harmonious vocalizations and Zahn’s emotional instrumentation entwine into an entrancing flow, followed by visuals showcasing self-expressive movement.” —MTV

“‘Vantablack’ is a tranquil, abstract, and utterly gorgeous contemporary classical soundscape populated by lilting clarinet, Zahn’s airy bass playing, and above it all Richard’s fluttering vocals, which profess a deep and radical comfort in her own skin.” —The New York Times

“Richard’s voice (often given an Auto-Tuned cyborg twist) slowly becomes an instrument that blends into this song cycle, creating a blissful spiritual balm.” —Uncut