The Hard Quartet — the indie supergroup comprised of Stephen Malkmus, Emmett Kelly, Matt Sweeney, and Jim White — have announced their self-titled debut album, dropping October 4th via Matador Records. They’ve also released the new sing “Rio’s Song” and an accompanying music video that pays tribute to Rolling Stones’ “Waiting on a Friend” visual.
Clocking in at 15 tracks, The Hard Quartet also features the band’s debut single, “Earth Hater.” See the artwork and full tracklist below. CD and vinyl pre-orders are ongoing.
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A nostalgic rock tune, “Rio’s Song” pays tribute to the late actor Rio Hackford and features contemplative lyrics like, “Gone up above the world again/ Who can blame you/ All we gain isn’t there for us to keep.”
Directed by Jared Sherbert, the video is a shot-for-shot remake of Rolling Stones’ 1981 video for “Waiting on a Friend.” It features cameos from Pavement’s Mark Ibold and Chavez’s James Lo. Watch it below.
“The ‘Rio’s Song’ video is The Hard Quartet’s homage to street rock in the hot afternoon & clowning around with lifer friends in downtown New York City,” the band shared in a statement. “Director Jared Sherbert shot it guerrilla-style on St Mark’s Place and in The International Bar on July 15th, 2024. It features local NYC artists, musicians, activists, skaters, and icons who are dear to the band.”
To celebrate the album’s release, the band has booked a trio of October shows taking place in Los Angeles, New York City, and London. A more extensive tour is planned in 2025. Get tickets here.
The Hard Quartet Artwork:
The Hard Quartet Tracklist:
01. Chrome Mess
02. Earth Hater
03. Rio’s Song
04. Our Hometown Boy
05. Renegade
06. Heel Highway
07. Killed by Death
08. Hey
09. It Suits You
10. Six Deaf Rats
11. Action for Military Boys
12. Jacked Existence
13. North of the Border
14. Thug Dynasty
15. Gripping the Riptide