Sime Nugent (The Wilson Pickers, Sweet Jean) returns with his first new music in nine years. ‘The Crow’, out now via Cheersquad Records & Tapes, comes from his forthcoming album, the sixth under his own name.

The first taste of Sime’s new album is the simmering, bluesy noir of lead single ‘The Crow’, a song that sways along with a haunted twang and hypnotic atmosphere. Electric guitar digs in with distortion and intent, Hesketh’s piano providing a beautiful melodic counterpoint. The rhythm section grounds the song with a solid earthiness as Sime’s compelling voice, brimming with character, serenades the listener with the all-too-real tale of a nefarious disruptor.

“‘The Crow’ was written about a would be assassin from another time,” explains Sime. “It seemed like an interesting time to release this song. I don’t really feel it’s my place to wade into those conversations because who needs another person with a microphone? But from an observational point of view, I guess that’s what songs can do. They can watch like a Crow.”

As Sime’s new single once again proves, the strongest through-lines in his music continue to be an enduring engagement with songwriting at its highest level and a truly disarming voice. He brings a level of craftsmanship to everything he does. Sime Nugent travels with an extensive repertoire as a soloist, collaborator, band leader, band member, and songwriter.