A lot of artists drop several singles leading up to their album releases these days, and I try not to just repeat songs by the same artists in my New Music Friday posts even when I really like all the songs. It’s only been a few weeks since I last wrote about a Chvrches song, but I couldn’t resist writing about their newest single “How Not to Drown” that they released a few days ago. The reason is because it features Robert Smith of The Cure. If you’ve been around this blog for any amount of time you know how much I love The Cure, so this song felt like a real gift to me.

The song itself is about a time when lead singer Lauren Mayberry said she felt like quitting the band and music altogether. The song was released in conjunction with the formal announcement of their new album Screen Violence, which is due out on August 27. According to the band the new album will explore violence created by screens, on screens, and through screens. I’m loving the two songs I’ve heard from it so far, and I’m really hoping that things will be in a good enough place for me to see them on tour in November. I’ve gotten myself comfortable with the idea of some outdoor shows, but at least at this point I’m not ready for indoor concerts. It’s hard to imagine what things are going to look like in November or how I’m going to feel about them then.

Also I want to give a plug for the new Japanese Breakfast and Joy Oladokun albums that released today. I haven’t actually had a chance to listen to them yet, but I’ve been eagerly awaiting them and can’t wait to dig in.