The Innocence Mission has announced the release of their upcoming album, Midwinter Swimmers, set to drop on November 29, 2024, via Bella Union. This marks the first studio album from the band in four years, following Sun on the Square from 2020. The Pennsylvania-based group, comprised of high school friends Karen Peris, Don Peris, and Mike Bitts, describes the new record as a blend of nostalgic familiarity with a fresh and adventurous approach, featuring a mix of expansive, cinematic sound and the lo-fi touch of a vintage folk album.
Listeners can expect a resonant emotional depth in Karen Peris’ voice, complemented by Don Peris' high electric guitar lines interwoven with her own rhythmic nylon-string guitar and piano. Bitts enhances the sound further with both upright and electric bass. Don Peris conveyed that the music expresses a sense of joy and gratitude amidst life’s challenges, especially evident in tracks like "Sisters and Brothers."
The band has released a video for the lead single, "This Thread Is a Green Street," which showcases the hand-drawn animation of vocalist Karen Peris. She elaborated on the single's themes, describing it as reminiscent of a landscape filled with doorways that evoke memories and connections to loved ones. The recording process sought to capture elusive beauty reminiscent of sing-alongs from their childhood in the 1970s. Pre-orders for Midwinter Swimmers are available here.