Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf has confirmed that his latest LP, “Norm”, will be coming out this February. It will be Shauf’s eighth LP overall and first since 2021’s “Wilds”. According to Shauf, the album is centred around the titular character of Norm, who was inspired by a David Lynch’s film.
After a trio of beautiful records that unfold like funny, bittersweet novels—2016’s Nicholas Braun-approved “The Party” taking place at, yes, a party; 2020’s Barack Obama-promoted “The Neon Skyline” at a Toronto bar; and 2021’s “Wilds” at a destination wedding—Shauf aimed for a less linear story with “Norm”. But this is hardly just a mix of good songs, and the album is lyrically quite ambitious, with different narrators, including god in “Wasted On You” and the titular dude, whose deceptively chill-sounding track of the same name was played on repeat plenty by yours truly.
“The character of Norm is introduced in a really nice way,” Shauf says of the first round of preview singles. “But the closer you pay attention to the record, the more you’re going to realize that it’s sinister.”
Shauf’s status as one of indie’s greatest songwriters was solidified with the excellent “The Neon Skyline”. Strangely enough, “Wilds” kind of came and went without much fanfare.
“Catch Your Eye” is out now, the second song from ‘Norm’ on Anti Records / Arts & Crafts. Animated by Mary Vertulfo.
Here’s hoping that a little more attention is paid to “Norm” when it comes out on February 10th.
The Fat Angel Sings 