the Mountain Goats

John Darnielle led, Durham-based band the Mountain Goats return to Intuition Ale Works on Friday, December 15.

Founded in 1991, the band’s latest single, “Clean Slate,” which came out in July, follows their 21st studio album, Bleed Out, released almost exactly a year ago on Merge Records, the iconic NC label (founded by Mac and Laura from Superchunk) that has issued their albums since 2011. They also had a fine run on 4AD from 2002-2009, and have also released albums for boutique labels like Shrimper, Ajax, Absolutely Kosher and Emperor Jones.

Singer-songwriter John Darnielle is the driving force behind the band, and was in fact it’s only member for much of its history. It’s a tight, lyric-heavy sound that has drawn a passionate fan base over 30-plus years of work. It’s a throwback to the kind of lo-fi sound pioneered by folks like Calvin Johnson and Lou Barlow.

The ‘Goats are prepping their return with Jenny From Thebes, out October 27 via Merge.