Buffalo Nichols played Milwaukee not too long ago, selling out the Cactus Club as part of a two-show appearance in February. On Wednesday, he announced yet another Brew City date with an exciting reason for his rapid return: a new album.
Nichols opened the music faucet just a bit for us late last year, releasing singles “Meet Me in the Bottom” (which you heard on 88Nine) and the incredibly moving “Friends.” Those turned out to be a harbinger of tunes to come, as his second LP, The Fatalist, is due out September 15th.
According to a press release, the new album will continue Nichols’ evolutionary approach to the blues by including “808 programming, chopped-up Charley Patton samples, washes of synth” and other flourishes that push the genre forward. Not only that, he made the LP right here in Milwaukee, including new single “You’re Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond” — a fresh take on the gospel song that Blind Willie Johnson recorded a version of in 1930.
Nichols’ growling vocals and fancy fretwork are present as usual, but the track’s groundwork is the aforementioned 808 programming — heavy, syncopated bass accompanied by rapid-fire snare. The song and video exude cool, making it a strong opening salvo for the wider album available for pre-order now.
The Fatalist will be the centerpiece of Nichols’ simultaneously announced fall tour, which includes a Nov. 10 show at Turner Hall Ballroom. Your first chance to grab tickets is a presale that starts at noon this Thursday, June 15 (code: DAD), followed by a general sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Tickets will be available online and at the Pabst/Riverside box offices.
