Alan Sparhawk Finds New Expression⁣ of Sorrow with Trampled by Turtles

Updated May 31,⁢ 2025

Alan Sparhawk’s upcoming album, With Trampled by Turtles, set for release⁤ May 30, marks a poignant‍ shift from his previous work. Following the 2022 death of his wife, Mimi Parker, Sparhawk’s White Roses, My God served as a raw, experimental outlet for grief.This new ⁣collaboration with Trampled ⁢by Turtles, fellow musicians from ⁤Duluth, offers a more grounded ⁢exploration of sorrow and⁣ community.

The album contrasts sharply with White Roses, My God. Recorded in just two days,With Trampled by‍ Turtles emphasizes Sparhawk’s unadorned vocals and haunting melodies,reminiscent of⁢ Low’s ⁣signature sound but with different textures. The bluegrass instrumentation of trampled by Turtles ⁣both complements and subverts the album’s exploration of sadness.

sparhawk previewed ⁢much of the album during his tour for White‍ Roses, My God, performing tracks ⁤like “Stranger” and “Torn & in Ashes” ⁣without the vocal effects and electronic elements⁤ of his previous work. These songs offer a more direct and weary reflection on grief, shedding the guardedness of White Roses.

Tracks from White Roses are revisited, including “Heaven” and “Get Still,” stripped of electronics and distortion to become folk-infused and hymnal-like, respectively. On “Heaven,” Sparhawk ‍sings, “Heaven / It’s a lonely place if you’re alone / I wanna be‍ there with‍ the people that I love.“

Trampled by Turtles’⁤ contribution enhances⁢ sparhawk’s‍ songwriting. In “Screaming Song,” Ryan Young’s violin mirrors Sparhawk’s raw expression of loss, ⁣building ⁤to a crescendo of grief. Sparhawk sings,“When you flew out of the window⁤ and into the sunset / I thought I would never stop screaming / I thought⁢ I would never stop screaming your ⁢name.” “Don’t Take Your Light” features restrained banjo, while “Not Broken” includes a duet with ‍Sparhawk’s daughter, Hollis,⁣ whose vocals echo her mother’s.

“Don’t take your light ⁣out of me”

The album’s communal feel underscores that Sparhawk isn’t alone in his sadness. With Trampled by⁣ Turtles stands out as a deeply moving and rewarding listen, showcasing a stunning collaboration.

What’s next

Fans can anticipate the release of With Trampled by Turtles on May 30, followed by tour dates showcasing the new material. The album promises ⁤a continued exploration of grief and resilience through⁤ Alan⁣ Sparhawk’s unique musical lens, enhanced by the collaboration with Trampled by Turtles.