A little more storytelling than from what I remember of Tapes 'n Tapes, but it is fitting and welcomed. Chugging guitar chords pull you along the story of "Freak Out," the latest single off Outside. Due for release on January 11 (1/11/11 at that! like the monotony of binary), Outside is the third album by the Minnesotans who know how to throw down some guitar solos.
With the experienced motions of build-up, climax and denouement of most catchy and well-written songs, "Freak Out" challenges you to various tests of bravery. Listen above, it's for keeps below and check them out on tour in a North American city near you.
11.11: St. Paul, MN - Turf Club ^
01.28: Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
01.29: Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
01.31: Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
02.01: Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
02.03: Boston, MA - Paradise
02.04: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Wiliamsburg
02.05: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
02.07: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel
02.08: Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater
02.09: Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
02.10: Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
02.11: Atlanta, GA - The Earl
02.12: Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
02.14: Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
02.15: Hattiesburg, MS - Thirsty Hippo
02.17: Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's
02.18: Austin, TX - Emo's
02.19: Dallas, TX - The Loft
02.21: Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingers
02.22: Norman, OK - Opolis
02.23: Columbia, MO - Mojo's
02.24: Omaha, NE - Waiting Room
02.25: Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
03.04: Lawrence, KS - Jackpot
03.05: Boulder, CO - Fox Theater
03.08: Seattle, WA - Crocodile Café
03.09: Portland, OR - Doug Fir
03.11: San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
03.12: Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
03.14: Visalia, CA - Cellar Door
03.15: Costa Mesa, CA - Detroit Bar
03.16: San Diego, CA - Casbah
^ with Leisure Birds, Tarlton
(via Pitchfork)