Yesterday, Father John Misty released a song called “Pure Comedy” by way of a video that lived up to its name. Part social critique and part comedy bit, the song sees Josh Tillman singing about the ills of society paired with a video that cuts between shots of Donald Trump’s inauguration and John Cena fighting back tears. Given Tillman’s penchant for serving as indie-rock’s resident prankster, it was easy to see “Pure Comedy” as a one-off, a topical song that allowed Tillman to use his Father John Misty alter-ego to work through some shit. But today it’s all been given more context as Sub Pop has announced Father John Misty’s new album will be released on April 7 and it’s called, you guessed it, Pure Comedy.
In addition to the announcement of this new record, Sub Pop has released a 25-minute film also titled Pure Comedy. It’s as abstractly indulgent as one would expect, featuring black-and-white shots of Tillman in the studio, playing new pieces that will likely be found on the Pure Comedy album this April. The release itself is, fittingly, quite opulent, as the double LP features four different cover variations, and there’s a deluxe double LP version that promises, “aluminum & copper vinyl, a die-cut customizable jacket with 4 interactive “background” sleeves (so you can have whatever sky you damn well feel like as the cover), all encased in a clear slipcase.” If that’s your thing, it’s available now from both Sub Pop and Father John Misty’s store.