Much to the excitement and relief of fans worldwide, alternative-pop juggernaut Bleachers have (finally) announced their sophomore album. Your favorite pop star’s go-to producer, Jack Antonoff, appeared on Beats 1 with Zane Lowe Monday to talk about the new album, Gone Now, and debut a stunning new track. “Hate That You Know Me” is the second single to be released thus far, following “Don’t Take the Money,” the musical accompaniment to a millennial’s eighties-style synth-pop fever dream.
It’s been three years since the release of Bleachers’ debut album, Strange Desire, but it feels like a century. Before focusing his energy on Bleachers, Antonoff was part of fun., the alt-pop band whose best known single is still being used at high school graduations nationwide. Bleachers allowed Antonoff to wholeheartedly embrace every part of his born-and-bred New Jersey identity. Channeling the magic of new wave and the passion of Springsteen, Antonoff established himself as a powerhouse producer and savvy songwriter. He's since collaborated with some of pop music's most well-known women, like Lorde and Taylor Swift, adding his signature sound to already distinctive voices.
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"Hate That You Know Me" is as Bleachers as could be, but still manages to remain fresh and surprising. Featuring perfectly placed vocals by Carly Rae Jepsen, the single will surely be the soundtrack to everyone's summer. In typical Antonoff fashion, "Hate That You Know Me" is rhythm-driven and shamelessly honest, resting on the tipping point between euphoria and misery. Percussion has always been central to the Bleachers sound and this new single is no exception. The instrumental break halfway through the song adds a whole new layer of emphatic charm that will make you immediately want to hit the closest dance floor.
Bleachers are boldly stepping into a new era, but will never be anything other than relentlessly themselves. If these first two singles are any indication, their new album will be one of the best of 2017. Gone Now will answer your musical prayers on June 2.