Deerhunter - “Snakeskin” (Official Video)

A couple of days ago, Deerhunter launched a mysterious countdown until 11PM tonight on their website. At first we thought that it might be counting down to the release of their new, not even officially announced yet album Fading Frontier, but now all (or at least some) has been revealed: Starting at 11PM EDT this evening, frontman Bradford Cox will be hosting a surprise two-hour radio show on Atlanta’s AM 1690. The program will also be streamed live on their site here (click on the Jesus painting to listen).

But more importantly, ahead of that, the first song from Fading Frontier has already surfaced online. “Snakeskin” is an absolute jam, a grooving, straight-up funky track that still keeps one foot in the shadows thanks to a skittering rattlesnake beat and Cox’s sinister lyrics: “I was born already nailed to the cross/ I was born with a feeling I was lost.” And because this is Deerhunter, the whole thing slides into a spacey sound collage over an extended vamp at the end.

UPDATE: Just after midnight, Cox played “Snakeskin” on his radio show and confirmed that Fading Frontier will be out 10/16 on 4AD. It’s also up for pre-order at iTunes and through the label. That’s the cover art above, a photograph called “Zuma” by John Divola. Here’s the tracklist:

01 “All The Same”

02 “Living My Life”

03 “Breaker”

04 “Duplex Planet”

05 “Take Care”

06 “Leather And Wood”

07 “Snakeskin”

08 “As Astra”

09 “Carrion”

All songs were written by Bradford Cox except “Ad Astra,” which was written by Lockett Pundt. Cox and Pundt duet on “Breaker,” a first for Deerhunter. Broadcast’s James Cargill contributed synthesizers and tape manipulation to “Take Care,” Stereolab’s Tim Gane plays electric harpsichord on “Duplex Planet,” and Zumi Rosow is on treated alto sax on “Snakeskin.” The band co-produced Fading Frontier with Ben H. Allen III, who helmed 2010’s Halcyon Digest. A press release promises “something strikingly balanced, focused on melody and texture” as well as brighter production than 2013’s Monomania and “the band’s most complex yet accessible work to date.”

The band have also shared the official video for “Snakeskin,” directed by Valentina Tapia.