AP web exclusive: More most anticipated albums of 2007

ANDREW
W.K.

EXPECT IT: Fall (LabelTBA)

It’s been almost four years since
Andrew W.K. gave America some new music. Fans shouldn’t expect
to see the Japan-only release Close Calls With
Bricks Walls issued here anytime soon, either. Instead, his next
offering is likely to be either Young Lord or The Carrier,
two albums he’s finishing now. “I’ve been thinking about
how I can find the courage to turn inward and just completely attack myself,” says
W.K. “I
feel like I’m freeing myself from the idea of who I am.” -Tristan
Staddon

BOYS
NIGHT OUT

EXPECT IT: June on Ferret (ferretstyle.com)

The
addition of new guitarist Andy Lewis (from the Fullblast) and the return
of original drummer Ben Arseneau have had a noticeable impact on Boys
Night Out’s
new material. But guitarist Jeff Davis notes the still-evolving band won’t
attempt to duplicate 2005’s eerie concept album Trainwreck on
this upcoming release. “The songs are heavy… proggy… riffy,” he
says. “Elements that were appealing [in BNO’s earlier music]
got lost. We’re bringing back the raw, youthful aspects that were
missing.” -Brendan
Manley

CIRCLE
TAKES THE SQUARE

EXPECT IT: Spring (Label TBA)

“Epic” is a word frequently used to describe the work of Savannah,
Georgia’s Circle Takes The Square, thanks to the eight-minute, multi-movement
songs on 2004’s As The Roots Undo. For the follow-up, singer-guitarist
Drew Speziale promises a concept album that will blow minds, and not
just with a blend of extreme scream-core and bong-blast prog. “This one song we’re
working on is going to be a half-hour,” Speziale reveals, laughing. “You
can pretty much say it’s going to be epic.” -Mike
Usinger

CLAP YOUR
HANDS SAY YEAH

EXPECT IT: Jan. 30 (clapyourhandssayyeah.com)

Clap
Your Hands Say Yeah became one of 2005’s biggest DIY successes
with a self-released, eponymous debut. Wisely, the New York post-indie
rockers haven’t
messed with success. “It’s an extension of the first,” says
singer Alec Ounsworth of Some Loud Thunder, the band’s sophomore effort. “But
to me, it’s a little more organized.” That focus reflects the
reality that CYHSY are no longer just a bunch of friends messing around. “This
was initially something to do for fun after work,” Ounsworth admits. “Now
it’s something more.” -Mike Usinger

PELICAN

EXPECT IT: May on Hydra Head (hydrahead.com)

Chicago
instru-metal leaders Pelican will team up with producer Andrew Schneider
(Cave In, Scissorfight) for their as-yet-untitled release. Guitarist
Laurent Lebec says the road-tested, riff-based tracks are shaping up
shorter and hookier than the ambient atmospheres on 2005’s The
Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw. He adds that the new
songs have a different inspiration. “This time around,” he begins, “instead
of describing the change in nature and the environment, I think we’re
looking to describe the change in ourselves.” -DX Ferris

THE
RECEIVING END OF SIRENS

EXPECT IT: Late spring on TripleCrown (triplecrownrecords.com)

One
of AP’s 100 Bands You Need To Know In 2006, TREOS have big plans
for their sophomore album. Expect the follow-up to 2005’s Between
The Heart And The Synapse to be significantly more stripped down. “We
didn’t
really use space as part of the music,” says bassist Brendan Brown. “Now
we’re trying to use space as an instrument and let things play out
more organically.” One possible song title: “Other Than That,
Mrs. Lincoln, How Did You Enjoy The Play?” -Ryan J. Downey

SHAI HULUD

EXPECT IT: Summer on Metal Blade (metalblade.com)

Reformed
hardcore legends Shai Hulud will team with engineer Zeuss (Hatebreed,
Shadows Fall), following a well-received reunion tour that yielded the
promising demo “To Bear The Brunt Of Many Blades.” “People
who heard the demo say, ‘Oh, it’s a return to Hearts Once
Nourished With Hope And Compassion, because it has more of a kick,’” says
guitarist/band constant Matt Fox. “We want to have a really smart,
thought-provoking album with intelligent song structures that will really
knock you on your ass.” -DX
Ferris