Will Wood | The Normal Album (2023 Edit)

Description

In 2023, Wood secretly worked with producer Kevin Antreassian on a new mix of his top-selling LP “The Normal Album.” They dug into the original 2019 recordings for more muscular takes, smoother edits, and a more nuanced and balanced mix. Antreassian and Wood created a version of the fan favorite that is one of the rare cases where a new mix is widely considered to improve on the original noticeably.

“The Normal Album” is yet another turn in Wood’s discography. It sardonically plays with Americana and doo-wop sounds, strategically restrained but still highly emotive vocals, and lyrics densely packed with scientific and philosophical references.

The dark mania of Wood’s prior 2016 release, “SELF-iSH,” continues on some tracks but is arranged with greater precision. This is possible with a new band at his command. Like his 2015 debut “Everything is a Lot,” the songs whiplash tonally. Yet, they are bound together by intertwined themes, recurrent musical motifs, and an undercurrent of simultaneous obtuseness and vulnerability.

After the original mix of “The Normal Album” was released, a live version of the LP’s 4th track, “I/Me/Myself,” had an unexpected viral moment. It drew attention to many other songs on the LP.

Songs like “2econd 2ight 2eer” and “Laplace’s Angel” continued to attract new fans with their dense wordplay and high-energy attitude. The album became Wood’s first major break into larger notoriety, proving that his sudden burst of popularity was not just a fleeting trend.

After taking some time away from the public, Wood began revisiting the album. He intended to give it the production he had initially envisioned.

Track Listing

Sales Points

• FFO Mr. Bungle, Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire, Shayfer James

Press Quotes

Masterful… By refining the technical elements without compromising the album’s emotional core, Will Wood has created something that feels both familiar and new — a fresh lens through which to hear an already intricate and layered piece of art

     —Varsity