The Fat Angel Sings

Big World lives up to its name. Slated for release on August 14th, it arrives on the heels of Hovvdy’s 2024 self-titled album with a palpable sense of expansion – songs that stretch outwards and fill every room that they’re played in – while still being rooted in the close, unguarded intimacy characteristic of the Texas duo. It’s a progression that underscores how Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, now over a decade into their collaboration, continue to refine a shared language without losing the sincerity that has come to define it.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Hovvdy is the indie rock duo of Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, who were both touring drummers when they first met at a baseball game a decade ago. Combining their solo songwriting efforts, they put out their debut LP, “Taster”, in 2016, gradually sharpening and layering their warm, low-key sound with a series of heartfelt releases, including 2018’s “Cranberry” and their 2019 breakthrough “Heavy Lifter“.

This time, all four were present for each session, giving Martin and Taylor the space to hone their collaborative craft while finding ways to honour their lo-fi origins. The result is a 19-track double LP of sprawling intimacy, one that allows big choruses to jump out and quiet moments to linger longer than you might expect. It’s a gorgeous record about the passage of time that keeps you hooked, ensuring no amount you spend with it feels wasted.

Hovvdy have shared another new single, ‘Blast’, from their forthcoming album Big World. For a track called ‘Blast’, it’s quite bleary, which fits into Hovvdy’s overall aesthetic. Still, the hook worms itself into your brain. Check out director Michael Rees’ video for it below.

Their new self-titled album, out Friday on Arts & Crafts, sees them continuing their collaboration with producer Andrew Sarlo and multi-instrumentalist Ben Littlejohn, who worked with the duo on 2021’s “True Love” and 2022’s “billboard for my feelings” EP.

“Big World“, which was led by the single ‘Try Try Try’, is set for release on August 14th via Arts & Crafts.