High Llamas release new single ‘Toriafan’ in advance of forthcoming album Hey Panda

Nearly seven years after the release of their album Here Come the Rattling Trees, High Llamas are poised to return with their eagerly-awaited record, Hey Panda — out on 29th March 2024, via Drag City.

Coinciding with the news, the avant-pop outfit have shared a new single from the project, 'Toriafan,' with a visualiser created by Simon Russel. It follows the previously released single 'Hey Panda,' the title track from High Llamas' forthcoming record.

High Llamas frontman and Irish virtuoso, Sean O'Hagan, discussed the inspiration for 'Toriafan,' commenting: "The song is about learning through action and not through the page. It speaks to those with dyslexia. I did not learn well in the classroom. I was a slow reader and to this day learn as a listener and conversationalist. I failed all my exams and worked on construction sites and car factories from 15 to 23."

High Llamas were founded in 1992, the brainchild and longest-standing project of O'Hagan's to date, who is also one half of Irish indie duo Microdisney, lauded composer, arranger, singer-songwriter and former member of Anglo-French pop outfit Stereolab.

With two new singles and an album on the way, High Llamas return from hiatus with fresh sounds and contemporary production. Inspired by session collaborations and the music tastes of his adult children, O'Hagan approached Hey Panda as a reflection on how the direction of music changes over the course of a lifetime.

Along with Fryars' keen eye for production, the record's expansive approach is sustained by a wide range of guest vocalists, including two lyrical collaborations with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. O'Hagan's prowess as a producer is now a fully-fledged being, having worked with King Krule, Pearl and The Oysters to name a few.

Hey Panda is available to pre-order via Drag City on vinyl, CD and as a digital album, now.

In the meantime, check out the latest single from High Llamas, 'Toriafan,' below.