Tomberlin. Photo by Michelle Yeon.
Sarah Beth Tomberlin, an indie folk-rock songwriter performing under her surname, has gained a dedicated cult following for her passionate dispatches of the heart since her 2018 album At Weddings. Today, she announced her follow-up LP, i don’t know who needs to hear this… with a new single called "happy accident."
On the album's title track (which we heard in January) Tomberlin evoked a place of healing as loose threads of instrumentation – guitar, samples, mirroring vocals – formed a cozy and reassuring sonic garment. "happy accident" is itchier, its garage-rock guitar (performed by Cass McCombs) channeling an emotional urgency that's more like a simmering volcano than a malignant mass. Watch the song's video below.
“The theme of the record,” Tomberlin said of the upcoming album, “is to examine, hold space, make an altar for the feelings.” Her press statement continued with an explanation of the themes behind "happy accident."
“‘happy accident’ is a song about relational obscurity. Trying to sort out who you are or who you were to someone,” says Sarah Beth Tomberlin of the song. “Is this relationship romantic or is it just sex? Do you want to spend time with me or are you just bored? Do I make my own decisions that are good for me or are my decisions predominantly based on what I think you might want or need? I was kind of walking through moments in previous relationships in my life. I wanna know why someone wants to get to know me. Do you want to know me or just your idea of me? Do I want to know you or just my idea of you?”
Starting this April, Tomberlin will embark on a world tour. Her Europe dates will be solo, and a full band will back her in North America.
Tomberlin tour dates
4/20 - Paris, FR - L’Archipel ^
4/21 - Utrecht, NL - Kromme Haring ^
4/22 - Dortmund, DE - Kino im U ^
4/25 - Berlin, DE - Prachtwerk ^
4/26 - Leipzig, DE - Horns Erben ^
4/27 - Brussels, BE - Botanique ^
4/28 - Margate, UK - Caves ^
4/29 - Nottingham, UK - Rough Trade ^
5/1 - Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club ^
5/2 - Manchester, UK - Yes (Basement) ^
5/3 - Edinburgh, UK - Voodoo Rooms ^
5/4 - Birmingham, UK - Cuban Embassy ^
5/5 - London, UK - St Matthias Church ^
5/6 - Cardiff, UK - Clwb for Bach ^
5/7 - Brighton, UK - Kmedia Studio ^
5/8 - Dublin, IE - The Grand Social ^
5/13 - Somerville, MA - Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre *
5/14 - Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA *
5/16 - Montréal, QC, Canada - Bar Le Ritz PDB *
5/17 - Toronto, ON, Canada - The Baby G *
5/18 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom & Tavern *
5/20 - Chicago, IL - Sleeping Village *
5/21 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry *
5/22 - Des Moines, IA - xBk
5/25 - Boise, ID - The Shredder *
5/26 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios *
5/27 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - Wise Hall *
5/28 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile - Madame Lou's *
6/1 - Los Angeles, CA - Lodge Room *
6/2 - Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar *
6/4 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge *
6/5- Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge *
6/7 - Louisville, KY - Zanzabar *
6/8 - Columbus, OH - Natalie's Grandview *
6/9 - Washington, DC - Songbyrd Music House *
6/10 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg *
^ Solo shows
* Full band shows w/ Jana Horn
