Liz Phair announces her first new album in over a decade, Soberish

Liz Phair has announced Soberish, her first album of original music in 11 years, and shared its opening track, Spanish Doors.

The album, which follows her 2010 LP Funstyle, includes the previously released songs Good Side and Hey Lou. Phair once again recruited longtime collaborator Brad Wood to produce, who also worked on Exile In Guyville, Whip-Smart, and whitechocolatespaceegg.

Phair said of the album: “Soberish can be about partying. It can be about self-delusion. It can be about chasing that first flush of love or, in fact, any state of mind that allows you to escape reality for a while and exist on a happier plane. It’s not self-destructive or out of control; it’s as simple as the cycle of dreaming and waking up.

“That’s why I chose to symbolise Soberish with a crossroads, with a street sign. It’s best described as a simple pivot of perspective. When you meet your ‘ish’ self again after a period of sobriety, there’s a deep recognition and emotional relief that floods you, reminding you that there is more to life, more to reality and to your own soul than you are consciously aware of. But if you reach for too much of a good thing, or starve yourself with too little, you’ll lose that critical balance.”

About the new track Spanish Doors, Phair added: “I drew inspiration from a friend who was going through a divorce, but the actions in the lyrics are my own. I relate to hiding out in the bathroom when everyone around you is having a good time but your life just fell apart. You look at yourself in the mirror and wonder who you are now, shadows of doubt creeping into your eyes. Just a few moments ago you were a whole, confident person and now you wonder how you’ll ever get the magic back.”

You can hear the new song below, and preorder the record here.