Lambchop - Punching the Clown

Lambchop's seventeenth album, Punching the Clown, sees Kurt Wagner returning to his artistic roots. Inspired by a gospel recording heard late at night, Wagner delved into the tradition of 'lined out singing,' a centuries-old Scots-Appalachian call-and-response practice where a single clerk guides a choir through hymns, word by word. This spirit of raw, communal vocalization permeates the entire album.

Wagner spent years studying great songwriters and rebuilding his craft, refining dozens of songs down to twelve for this release. Recorded over three days, the album features guitarist Andrew Broder, Justin Vernon on banjo, and a six-part choir assembled by Blake Morgan. Engineered by Lambchop veteran Mark Nevers, Punching the Clown is a graceful, wry, and quietly devastating collection.

• Artist: Lambchop
• Format: Vinyl
• Release Date: 2026-08-21
• Number of Discs: 1
• Country of Origin: Germany