Westerman – “Your Hero Is Not Dead”

Bex Day

Westerman – “Your Hero Is Not Dead”

Bex Day

Ever since we named Westerman an Artist To Watch two years ago on the strength of singles like “Confirmation,” it’s been exciting to think what he could pull off across a full-length statement. We’re going to find out in June when he releases his debut Your Hero Is Not Dead, and so far everything points to an album that will make good on the promise of his earlier work. So far we’ve heard singles including “Blue Comanche,” “Think I’ll Stay,” and “Waiting On Design.” And today, Westerman’s back with another new one.

The latest glimpse of Your Hero Is Not Dead arrives in the form of its title track. “This was the last song I wrote for the whole record, but I had the title for the album before any of the music was formed,” Westerman said in a statement. “I remember I wrote it on the day that Mark Hollis died. He’s probably as close to a musical hero as I have. The song isn’t about him or Talk Talk necessarily, but when he died I wanted to put myself to task and respond to the sadness I was feeling at that moment.” Along with the single, Westerman’s put together a mix of “freeform communal music” called “Huxley,” featuring “Your Hero Is Not Dead” alongside work from artists like Neil Young and Arthur Russell.

As the closer and title track, “Your Hero Is Not Dead” plays out as a peaceful reflection back on the other songs on the album. It’s just as pretty and crystalline as we’ve come to expect from Westerman, with melodies that complete motifs hinted at throughout other songs on Your Hero Is Not Dead. Check it out below.

Your Hero Is Not Dead is out 6/5 on Partisan/Play It Again Sam. Pre-order it here.

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