Yesterday, Japandroids announced their 2017 return with Near to the Wild Heart of Life, the long-awaited follow-up to their 2012 sophomore album Celebration Rock. Today, the band have detailed the record, which is out January 27 via Anti-. They’ve also shared its first single, “Near to the Wild Heart of Life.” The track will be released as a 7” single with a cover of Talking Heads’ “Love → Building on Fire” on the B-side. Below, listen to Near to the Wild Heart of Life’s title track, and see the cover artwork and full tracklist.

In our new interview with the band, Japandroids discuss the making of the album, their new direction, and more. Regarding the writing process for the record, singer/guitarist Brian King says:

In some ways, we’re approaching this like it’s our very first record. We’re removing all the self-imposed rules that led to the songs and the sound of our whole career up until now. When you do that, you can try anything.

He also discusses the album’s influences, citing Townes Van Zandt and Tom Waits as touchstones. He continues:

With this album, the idea of what intensity means is evolving. It doesn’t necessarily mean screaming or jumping around or flailing about or being really loud or playing really fast.

Near to the Wild Heart of Life:

01 Near to the Wild Heart of Life

02 North East South West

03 True Love and a Free Life of Free Will

04 I’m Sorry (For Not Finding You Sooner)

05 Arc of Bar

06 Midnight to Morning

07 No Known Drink or Drug

08 In a Body Like a Grave

Watch Japandroids perform “Fire’s Highway” at Pitchfork Music Festival 2012: