MJ Lenderman Reveals New Song “Joker Lips”: Stream

MJ Lenderman is back with “Joker Lips,” the latest offering from his upcoming album Manning Fireworks.

Built on an easy mid-tempo groove, “Joker Lips” features some of MJ Lenderman’s most infectious impulses: enchanting pedal steel, sun-bleached electric guitar, and Lenderman’s humorous, impressionistic lyrics. “And you know I love my TV/ But all I really want to see is see you need me,” Lenderman croons with a reedy, aching tone in the song’s final third.

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There’s not much of a “verse-chorus-bridge” structure on “Joker Lips,” with Lenderman instead finding as much space as he can within the repeating, evocative chord phrase. The track also arrives with a music video depicting Lenderman and his band The Wind performing the song at golden hour on a mountain in his native North Carolina. Watch the video for “Joker Lips” below.

“Joker Lips” follows “She’s Leaving You,” which Lenderman shared upon announcing Manning Fireworks. He’s got a big headlining tour coming up this fall after he finishes out some shows with his other band, Wednesday, this month. See MJ Lenderman’s tour routing here, and get tickets here.

Manning Fireworks is out everywhere on September 6th.