Backwards Dancer - Backwards Dancer (2017)

Worcester, MA’s Backwards Dancer has signed to Rory Records, an Equal Vision Records imprint founded by Say Anything’s Max Bemis. Their self-titled album will be released on March 3, while the band is on a full US tour supporting Eisley and Civilian.

“Growing up and through much of my formative years, the music of Say Anything and Saves the Day were integral for me in sorting out my own path and I found solidarity in their passion and prolific work. The opportunity to be seen on the same plane and exist in the same realm as these bands was something incredible and surreal, (still is…) but felt extremely natural,” notes vocalist/guitarist Zack Shaw of the signing. “The support and confidence that Max and the entire EVR/Rory team has shown us has been incredible, so working with them seemed like the perfect place for our music to live. We are looking forward to making our best art to contribute to this culture we have grown up around.”

Formed in 2014, following Shaw’s departure from The Hotelier (which he helped founded, under the original moniker The Hotel Year), Backwards Dancer has quickly developed their unique style that navigates deep intrapersonal emotion into thoughtfully orchestrated compositions. The new album explores the concept of dependence, and the human condition in general, in a raw and dynamic way, in the context of relationships, use of substances, money, overall mental health and more.

“I hope people will gain a sense of comfort and hopefully a new sonic world to get lost in,” reveals Shaw. “Most of my favorite artists have a way of crafting this atmosphere and giving the listener this sense that the record is taking place in some real place that feels familiar yet is detached enough that it doesn’t feel invasive. At least that’s the way I see it, so I hope people get the same feels that I get when I listen to it.”

Backwards Dancer is the follow-up to a stunning EP, Old Life in New Shoes, which is available now on Bandcamp and Spotify. Backwards Dancer is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Zack Shaw, guitarist Ryan Kelleher, drummer Andy Underwood, and bassist Sam Creager.

Tracks:
01. Backwards Dancer - Airy (3:22)
02. Backwards Dancer - Breathe Life Into Beauty (3:28)
03. Backwards Dancer - Artists as Characters (4:28)
04. Backwards Dancer - I Saw Your Spirit (3:14)
05. Backwards Dancer - I Wish I Could Have (5:55)
06. Backwards Dancer - The Radio (3:15)
07. Backwards Dancer - Forever (2:58)
08. Backwards Dancer - Vanishing, Panicking (5:23)
09. Backwards Dancer - While the World is Waiting (5:08)
10. Backwards Dancer - (Blank) (3:03)