“A well-earned ovation… Don’t miss it.” SPIN
“‘Song for Zula’ was already one of our favorite tracks, but complement Houck’s sublime vocals with a full orchestra and, well — you’re about to see some extra special television.” Consequence of Sound
“Note to whoever picked out Matt’s suit: Perfect.” Stereogum
Phosphorescent brought a transcendent performance of Muchacho’s breakout hit “Song for Zula” to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night. The touring band was joined by a string section – making an already special rendition even more gorgeous. Grab a handkerchief and enjoy a good cry.
The band concluded a US tour with Strand of Oaks with a sold-out show at the Bowery Ballroom last week, but they will perform at Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National’s Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Festival this Saturday.
The band’s summer schedule is slowly being revealed as well: we can confirm that they will perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival and the Newport Folk Festival. Full dates are below!
Muchacho, Phosphorescent’s 6th full-length album, debuted three weeks ago on the Billboard Top 200 at #57 and on the UK Album Charts at #58. Released on March 19th, the record received an Exclusive First Listen with NPR, Best New Music accolades from Pitchfork.com and deserving praise from many others.
“There are little wonders all over Muchacho, an album that hopefully will take Houck to a wider audience as popular musical tastes begin to turn his way.”
Associated Press
“These songs deftly map out that mess of ragged hurt, smoldering hope and self-righteous spite.”
New York Times
“On Muchacho, Houck gathers together everything he’s attempted– beery, rollicking country-rock, haunted tribal hymnals, regret-soaked bar room heartbreak– and fashions it into something close to a defining statement.”
BEST NEW MUSIC (8.8), Pitchfork
“Muchacho is also Houck’s most accomplished release to date—his most heartrending and life-affirming, equal parts lost-love devastation and hip-swaying, horn-led exultation.”
AV Club
“If Gram Parsons were alive and making music on his laptop and still tripping on peyote, Muchacho would be his latest masterpiece.”
Boston Globe
“Muchacho is a vibrant, evocative LP, and a welcome addition to the Phosphorescent catalogue.”
BBC Music
“Houck’s become something of a master.”
Exclaim!
“A beautiful outing in hauntingly pastoral heartbreak. Impressive.”
Clash Music
“Phosphorescent has followed 2010′s country-rock homage Here’s To Taking It Easy with an equally magnificent beast, mixing country jams with claustrophobic electronica and mournful Mariachi horns to create a beautiful but discomforting album.”
Uncut
“A hell of a production.”
MOJO
“Houck’s career should be viewed as a blueprint for young songwriters in how to grow with each recording. As his songs have grown more complex, they’ve also become more focused. No matter what happens to Phosphorescent from here on out, Muchacho is an artist setting a new standard.”
Under the Radar
Tour Dates:
04/27/13 Brooklyn, NY – Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Festival
05/05/13 Kilkenny, IE – Kilkenny Roots Festival
05/07/13 Manchester, UK – Ruby Lounge
05/09/13 Brussels, BE – Rotonde – Les Nuits Botanique
05/10/13 Amsterdam, NL – Bitterzoet
05/11/13 Berlin, DE – Berghain Kantine
05/12/13 Koln, DE – Blue Shell
05/14/13 Paris, FR – L’Espace B
05/15/13 London, UK – Village Underground
05/16/13 Brighton, UK – The Great Escape
05/18/13 Glasgow, UK – Stag and Dagger Festival @ ABC
05/25/13 Barcelon, Spain – Primavera Sound
07/20/13 Chicago, IL – Pitchfork Music Festival
07/26/13 Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival
07/28/13 Camden, NJ – XPoNential Music Festival
08/09/13 Oslo, Norway – Oya Festival
08/10/13 Gothenburg, Sweden – Way Out West
08/15/13 Hasselt, Belgium – Pukkelpop 2013
08/16/13 Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom – Green Man Festival
Watch the video for “Song for Zula”
Stream “Song for Zula” from Muchacho
Phosphorescent Brings "Song for Zula"
