Portland’s The Shivas recently released ‘Dark Thoughts’ via Tender Loving Empire, a sweet and sinister LP about confronting your demons and the growth that comes from fearless self-examination. The band just finished a European tour and will be heading out on a US-run starting January 18 in support of their fifth album (see dates below).
Along with the tour announcement, they also shared the video for Can’t Relax, the third music video lifted from the record. Check out the video clip via YouTube below.
The group blasted their way through Portland’s house show scene. Since then they have played over 1,000 shows spread over 25 countries, meeting new fans and friends from Belgrade to Mexico City.
But The Shivas — Molyneux, Leonard and bassist Eric Shanafelt have all been with the band since it started; guitarist Jeff Boyardee joined in 2017—still speak about their project with a DIY humility. They talk up their own favourite bands, play all-ages shows whenever possible, and they bring a sort of blue-collar humanism to the live performances they relish so much. “We just want to make people feel good,” Molyneux says. “We want them to forget they have to work tomorrow.”
‘Dark Thoughts‘ is the sound of a tight-knit band whose members have learned not just how to trust each other, but how to grow together. “Being adults now,” Leonard says. “We’re starting to talk a lot more philosophically about why we do what we do. Some of my favorite music came from people needing to find a space. Music is just such a visceral place to find a release.”
Stream ‘Dark Thoughts’ via your favourite DSP.
Tour dates
Jan 17 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
Jan 18 – Bellingham, WA @ Alternative Library
Jan 19 – Tacoma, WA @ Alma Mater
Jan 23 – Oakland, CA @ Elbo Room Jack London
Jan 24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg
Jan 26 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
Jan 27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Lunchbox
Jan 28 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
Jan 30 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar
Feb 01 – Denton, TX @ Andy’s
Feb 02 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
Feb 04 – Houston, TX @ Continental Club
Feb 08 – Jacksonville, FL @ Winterland Festival
Feb 14 – Ashville, NC @ The Mothlight
Feb 20 – Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
Feb 22 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Feb 23 – Toronto, ON @ Monarch Tavern
Feb 25 – Chicago, IL @ Hideout
Feb 26 – Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge
Feb 27 – Denver, CO @ Hi Dive
Feb 28 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
Feb 29 – Donnelly, ID @ Tamarack Resort (Snowfort)
Mar 07 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
Mar 25-29 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Fest