This Friday Kait Eldridge will release her first solo record, one that takes a different turn from her work with power-pop rock band Big Eyes.
The new album is called The Dark Tower and draws direct and literal, literary reference to Stephen King’s book series and fantasy world. The record comes out on Friday on Let’s Pretend Records, and we’re premiering the track “Song of Susannah.”
“Susannah Dean is perhaps the most badass and complex character in the entirety of The Dark Tower series,” Eldridge says of this minute and a half track, adding, “I might have to write a full album just for her next!”
This version is a western-tinged ballad that directly references the storyline.
The record itself formed in lockdown in 2020. With social distancing and no live shows, Eldridge eventually decided to try something new. Inspired by the King series, she decided to create a sonic companion piece that travels along a comparably twisting and turning path with influence from western, fantasy, horror, and science fiction elements. The final product has more in common with a cinematic score than with Big Eyes, though her songwriting voice shines through regardless of the style. There are brooding synth-driven songs, country ballads, and atmospheric movements.
In doing so, Eldridge also learned new instruments and home recording techniques, all building up to The Dark Tower. The entire album is directly influenced by King’s work, on full display in the lyrics to “Song of Susannah.”
SONG OF SUSANNAH
Detta, Odetta
Much like Jekyll and Hyde
Those two halves of one
Brought out under the sun
Detta, Odetta
It’s clear what must be done
Standing out on the shore
Please both look through the door
Now you see, far more easily
Oh, Susannah Dean
You have gained a sheen
So joyfully, you are now at ease
But alas you’ll be
Split once more, thoroughly
