The Wrens have been saying their follow-up to 2003 masterpiece The Meadowlands is almost finished for years and years, and last fall we even got our hopes up enough to put it in the top 10 when we listed the most anticipated albums of 2014. But now there’s some concrete evidence that the album is really, truly, actually nearing completion. As Pitchfork points out, co-frontman Charles Bissell posted an update to the band’s website announcing that they’ve signed with a record label to release the long-awaited project. At the end, he promises that “this record is actually happening. And nearly done.” Although he didn’t specify which label or give any inkling of a release date, this is very promising news. Here’s Bissell’s full dispatch:

So Friday morning… for the first time in I don’t even know how long (years at this point!), we all four got together. The occasion? Well, I realize it’s not big news in any sense except to us, but after 25 years as a band and for the first time in 20, we, as they say, have inked a deal. Pens were handed out presidentially. Morning beers were clinked together. The devil wrung his hands in delight & vanished in a smoke puff, laughing.

Honestly not being coy but promised not to reveal details, pending a more official announcement from both parties. But wanted to say at least something, partially ’cause we’re all super happy about it.

And partially because pretending to do this for a job (or whatever this is), there are none of the usual office trappings or career mile-markers along the way. No promotions; no HR; no office holiday party or company phone; heck, no office or company; no paid vacation; well, no ‘pay’ really…actually the more I write, the more I’m clearly describing a hobby. Anyway, so partially for myself (I signed a binding legal document! On letterhead!).

And partially to have something even a little more concrete than my usual “work continues nightly” to show that…this record is actually happening. And nearly done.

And here’s a tweet from the band about the new deal:

Twenty-five years in, a step toward the dream of legitimate employment: we have signed a recording contract….http://t.co/39cPge8UL3

— the wrens (@thewrens) November 11, 2014

I don’t know about you, but I am fucking stoked. (And possibly very gullible.) While we all spin “She Sends Kisses” while weeping in feverish anticipation, let’s revisit Timothy and Elizabeth Bracy’s oral history of The Meadowlands.