Palehound Announces New Album You Sing Like You’re Joking, Sharing New Single “Natural Disasters”

El Kempner’s fifth album arrives 5th February 2027 via Polyvinyl Record Co., co-produced with Julian Fader and Katie Von Schleicher

Indie rock artist Palehound, the project of acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist El Kempner, has announced their fifth album, You Sing Like You’re Joking, set for release on 5th February 2027 via Polyvinyl Record Co. Alongside the announcement, Kempner has shared the album’s lead single, “Natural Disasters”, accompanied by an official music video directed by Rachel Brown of Water From Your Eyes.

Co-produced by Kempner alongside Julian Fader (Ava Luna) and Katie Von Schleicher (Frankie Cosmos), You Sing Like You’re Joking sees the artist continuing to refine their distinctive blend of diaristic songwriting, intricate guitar work and wry, emotionally resonant lyricism. The record also features contributions from Nick Hakim, with Kempner expanding their musical palette to incorporate bass guitar.

Across the album, Kempner reflects on the significant shifts in their life and career, exploring the complexities of changing relationships, personal growth and the weight of loss. Lead single “Natural Disasters” offers a stripped-back meditation on a friendship that has drifted apart against a backdrop of wider climate anxieties. “My basement is flooding, and your house is burning, and we're not talking,” Kempner sings, capturing the emotional distance between two people navigating an increasingly uncertain world. Reflecting on the track, Kempner explains: “Damn, the future is pretty doomy right now. Why can't we just get over it and get through this together?”

The accompanying video, directed by Rachel Brown, explores friendship and love as memories, juxtaposing moments of intimacy with a subtle sense of impending societal unease. Brown shares: “I think it's necessary to hold onto the joy you felt with someone, even if they are no longer in your present life, which I think the song paints so beautifully.”

Despite its heavier themes, You Sing Like You’re Joking is far from a sombre listen. Instead, the album is a taut, jangly and vibrant celebration of friendship, community and connection. Having spent the past two years living in New York City, Kempner has developed close bonds with fellow musicians including Cassandra Jenkins, Adrianne Lenker, Samia and Annie DiRusso, many of whom joined them for their sold-out ‘You’re Joking!’ residency, which raised funds for the Immigrant Defense Project.

Reflecting on the relationships forged through music, Kempner notes: “Because we all have this major thing we connect on, and that is an amazing starting point of friendship.” They add: “I was so lucky to be raised in DIY. I feel like I've finally settled into something that feels stronger and fully formed.”

With nearly 15 years of songwriting behind them, Kempner continues to establish Palehound as one of indie rock’s most compelling voices. Previously recognised by Rolling Stone as one of the ‘Greatest Guitarists of All Time’, their ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universally resonant songs has earned acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, NYLON, ELLE and Rolling Stone.

You Sing Like You’re Joking is out 5th February 2027 via Polyvinyl Record Co.