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Photo: Clare Shilland

Following his much-loved 2022 album, WHO CARES?, indie-pop singer-songwriter Rex Orange County makes his long-awaited return with the announcement of his next studio album, The Alexander Technique. In celebration of the forthcoming LP, out September 6, listeners have been blessed with not one but two new singles to fall in love with, "Alexander" and "Guitar Song." His candid reflection and vulnerability are a breath of fresh air, showcasing his continued musical evolution and reaffirming his ability to create deeply personal and impactful music.

The first of the two new releases, "Alexander," is a poignant return to form with its simplistic piano-driven melody. The song offers a raw and relatable glimpse into the artist's struggles and life experiences, both those he chooses to acknowledge and ignore. The narrative of dealing with chronic back pain and the realization that it might be masking deeper emotional struggles speaks to the shared human experience of facing life's challenges and the often complex journey toward self-understanding and healing. The lyrics tackle themes of physical and emotional pain, frustration with medical advice, and underlying issues that often go unnoticed.

"Guitar Song" begins on a mellow note, with the Rex Orange County conjuring forth images San Francisco, highlighting his growing sense of loneliness and using substances to cope with his emotional pain. Reflecting on his experiences, he remembers the self-hate and loathing he felt towards his sixteen-year-old self, venting, "Looking at my reflection and wanting to die / I didn't like what I was seeing when I had hoped I might." Now, with the wisdom of age and hindsight, he wishes to break the cycle and be free from the shackles of his loneliness. He further reflects on his youthful naivety with the line, "I didn't know at an early age," highlighting his lack of self-understanding during his teenage years. This introspection starkly contrasts his debut album, bcos u will never be free, where his lyrics, while honest, often shied away from real vulnerability. As stunning saxophone arrangements bleed into the production, Rex Orange County's willingness to openly confront and articulate his self-image and mental health struggles showcase his significant personal and artistic growth.

"The Alexander Technique is very much a look into my own brain and experiences over the last few years – it's almost a diary," shares Rex Orange County. "I've made a lot of love songs over the years, and I feel as though this is the first time I'm trying to make a project about everything in life. In my mind, it's exactly what I've always wanted to make."

Watch the "Alexander" and "Guitar Song" videos below:

The Alexander Technique Tracklist:

1. Alexander
2. Guitar Song
3. 2008
4. Therapy
5. 4 In The Morning
6. Jealousy
7. The Table
8. Pure
9. One of These Days
10. Carrera
11. Much Too Much
12. Sliding Doors
13. Lost For Words
14. Look Me In The Eyes featuring James Blake
15. New Years
16. Finally