Enigmatic polymath Keaton Henson has shared two new singles, the introspective “Past It” and the incisive “Loose Ends,” ahead of his ninth studio album, Parader. Out now via Play It Again Sam, the album marks a significant sonic departure as Henson sheds his “quiet boy” persona in favor of the grunge-infused sounds of his youth. The project was recorded with production duties split between longtime friend Luke Sital-Singh and Alex Farrar, creating a balance between intimate folk-rock and high-energy American garage-rock. This new chapter follows the success of his July comeback single “Lazy Magician,” co-written with Julia Steiner of Ratboys, which signaled a restless and romantic redefinition of his artistry.
The dual release of “Past It” and “Loose Ends” highlights the thematic breadth of the forthcoming record. “Past It” is a lo-fi, nostalgia-soaked reflection on aging as a musician, delivered with a crackling hum reminiscent of Christian Lee Hutson. In contrast, “Loose Ends” revisits the “musical snark” first teased on his previous single “Insomnia,” utilizing lurking distortion and a combative rhythm that channels early 2000s rock influences. Henson describes the latter as a sardonic and self-loathing track that contrasts its dark lyrical themes with the infectious energy of the music. These songs serve as the final preview of a twelve-track collection that bridges the gap between Henson’s classical compositions and his raw, distorted rock roots.