Bret McKenzie announces new album Freak Out City

Bret McKenzie has announced a new album Freak Out City, out on August 15. It consists of recordings of McKenzie's shows in Zealand and Los Angeles, performing with his band The State Highway Wonders.

Co-produced by Bret and his colleague Mickey Petralia, Freak Out City is described as 'playful, unique, and strange in true McKenzie fashion' and influenced by his musical idols Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman.

Both the mixing (done by Michael Harris) and mastering (done by Ruairi O'Flaherty) of the album took place in Los Angeles. Featured artists on the record are from New Zealand and Los Angeles alike.

Freak Out City Album Cover

The album consists of 10 songs and features the singles 'Shouldna Come Here Tonight', 'Freak Out City', and the newly released 'All I Need'.

His latest single is an homage to his wife, Hannah. “We’ve been together a long time. We always love each other, but let’s be honest, there are days we love each other more than other days. 'All I need' was from one of those days when we were especially in love.”

Freak Out City is now available to preorder on CD, LP and streaming platforms through Sub Pop. McKenzie and The Stage Highway Wonders will also be touring this autumn, with dates to be announced soon.

Check out the full tracklist below:

1. Bethnal Green Blues
2. Freak Out City
3. The Only Dream I Know
4. All the Time
5. That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round
6. All I Need
7. Eyes on the Sun
8. Too Young
9. Highs and Lows
10. Shouldna Come Here Tonight