Having signed Chicago-based Sweet Cobra for their new studio album, Earth, Magic Bullet Records is now preparing the LP for release in July, as the first single is made publicly available through a video of "Future Ghosts" (streaming below).

Sweet Cobra's first full-length recording since their 2010-released Mercy, the thundering Earth was recorded and produced by Matt Talbot of Hum and Kurt Ballou of Converge at Talbot's Earth Analog Studios in Illinois, mixed by Ballou at his Godcity Studio in Massachusetts, and mastered by Carl Saff. Additionally, both Ballou and Talbot make guest appearances on the album. Earth shows the band hungrier than ever, with the trusted and infectious ferocity fans will expect as well as a slick, more accessible approach. There's no rough edges; no jarring moments. From the first note to the conclusion of the twelve-song bang-ouevre, there is crystal clear purpose and cohesiveness throughout. It has the confidence and catchiness of the heavier moments of Queens Of The Stone Age with the drive of The Jesus Lizard. It has the surge and wallop of Quicksand while delving into far more diverse sonic territories. The pairing of Talbot and Ballou as co-producers has truly yielded a stunning, classic heavy album for the ages.

The bizarre official video for first single from Earth, "Future Ghosts" was directed and animated by Katie Kapuza with assistance from Molly Mccandleuss and props and masks created by Christine Ciarleglio. Showcasing not only the crushing and vibrant tones of their new LP, the video also brings out the imaginative and amusing angles of the Sweet Cobra trio.

Magic Bullet Records will issue Earth on digital formats July 17th, and on LP and CD July 24th.

Earth tracklisting:

“Far Too Temp”
“Future Ghosts”
“He Tall He”
“Complaints”
“Flight Risk”
“Sunburned Sons”
“Repo”
“Stiff Fits”
“Blue Rose”
“Jealous of Drugs”
“Old Haunts”
“Walls”

“Future Ghosts” video:

Sweet Cobra will play a local show for Earth this Friday, June 19th at the Empty Bottle in Chicago as a special advance for their diehard local audience, with another show in Madison later in the month. Much more touring from the band is to be expected in the coming months as well.

Live dates:

June
19 - The Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL (with Cloakroom, Electric Hawk (record release), Paletazo)
27 - The Frequency - Madison, WI (with The Life And Times)

(Photo: Nick Thieneman)