Rex Orange County drops two new tracks
“Alexander” and “The Guitar Song” preview the new album
Rex Orange County, the acclaimed English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has officially announced his new album, The Alexander Technique, set for release on September 6, 2024. Following his 2022 release, Who Cares?, Rex Orange County returns with a project that delves deeply into his personal experiences and growth. To mark the announcement, he has shared two singles, “Alexander” and “Guitar Song,” each accompanied by a music video.
A Deep Dive into The Alexander Technique
Rex Orange County describes The Alexander Technique as an intimate exploration of his thoughts and life events, likening it to a diary. He states, “I’ve made a lot of love songs over the years, and I feel as though this is the first time I’m trying to make a project about everything in life.” This thematic shift signals a broader narrative scope, potentially appealing to a diverse audience beyond his established fan base.
The album’s title references a therapeutic practice focused on addressing deeper health issues through back pain treatment. This metaphorically aligns with Rex Orange County’s raw and confessional approach in the album, aiming to lay bare his experiences and challenges. Musically, The Alexander Technique features a stripped-back sound, blending stream-of-consciousness R&B and indie-folk while maintaining the orchestral richness characteristic of his previous work.
Produced in collaboration with Teo Halm, Jim Reed, and James Blake, who also features on the track “Look Me In The Eyes,” the album represents a significant evolution in Rex Orange County’s artistic journey. This project not only reflects his personal growth but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
The Alexander Technique Tracklist
1. “Alexander”
2. “Guitar Song”
3. “2008”
4. “Therapy”
5. “4 In The Morning”
6. “Jealousy”
7. “The Table”
8. “Pure”
9. “One of These Days”
10. “Carrera”
11. “Much Too Much”
12. “Sliding Doors”
13. “Lost For Words”
14. “Look Me In The Eyes” Feat. James Blake
15. “New Years”
16. “Finally”
From Bedroom Pop to Industry Staple
Rex Orange County, born Alexander James O’Connor, first gained attention with his self-released debut album, Bcos U Will Never B Free, in 2015. The album caught the ear of Tyler, the Creator, leading to a collaboration on Tyler’s Flower Boy album in 2017. This exposure propelled Rex Orange County into the spotlight, culminating in subsequent albums Apricot Princess (2017) and Pony (2019), both of which showcased his unique blend of jazz, pop, and R&B influences.
His 2022 album, Who Cares?, marked a continuation of his introspective lyrical style and intricate melodies. However, The Alexander Technique promises to be his most personal and varied work yet. The album’s creation spanned several years, beginning before and finishing after the release of Who Cares?. Rex Orange County has described the process as an exercise in changing his writing perspective, resulting in his most confessional and open-hearted album to date.
“Alexander”
“Alexander,” the album’s opening track, sets the tone for Rex Orange County’s new project. The song, accompanied by a Nick Walker-directed video, delves into the inspiration behind the album’s title. The music video visually represents the therapeutic journey Rex Orange County has undergone, mirroring the album’s theme of introspection and personal growth. The stripped-back instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics in “Alexander” provide a raw and honest look into Rex Orange County’s mind, making it a compelling introduction to The Alexander Technique.
“Guitar Song”
“Guitar Song,” the second single released alongside “Alexander,” offers a contrasting yet complementary vibe. Filmed by Alexandra Waespi at Decoy Studios in England, the music video captures behind-the-scenes moments from the album’s recording sessions. This track highlights Rex Orange County’s musical versatility, blending indie-folk elements with his signature R&B style. The candid footage in the video underscores the authenticity and emotional depth of the album, giving listeners a glimpse into the creative process behind The Alexander Technique.
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