Things have really been escalating for 90's indie trailblazers Archers of Loaf since their first reunion show in their hometown of Asheville, NC last year: since then they've played a raucous set over at the Sasquatch Festival and they're now preparing to reissue all four of their studio albums on Merge Records, beginning with their acclaimed 1993 debut Icky Mettle on August 2. It's been re-mastered by producer Bob Weston and will include a profusion of bonus material, including (but not limited to) singles and b-sides as well as new liner notes from self-proclaimed “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau. It will be available on CD, limited-edition blue vinyl, and digital download – if you pre-order it in the Merge store, you'll also receive an exclusive live video from the group's famous “secret show” opening for The Love Language in January 2011, which was sort of like the place of origin for the band's comeback, so it'll be like watching a video of someone giving birth but a lot less gross.
The quartet are also going on a North American tour and have just announced four additional dates as well as their late-night television debut on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on June 24. it seems that their determination to perform at smaller venues in order to “replicate the raw experience” they're known for is resulting in a lot of gigs selling out, so act quickly if you're interested.
ARCHERS OF LOAF 2011 TOUR DATES
June 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
June 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour (SOLD OUT)
June 11 – Austin, TX @ Emoís
June 12 – Dallas, TX @ The LOFT at the Palladium
June 25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (SOLD OUT)
June 26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
July 8 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
July 9 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge (SOLD OUT)
July 22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (SOLD OUT)
July 23 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (SOLD OUT)
July 24 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
August 5 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat (SOLD OUT)
August 6 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
August 19 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle (SOLD OUT)
August 20 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
September 2 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
September 3 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
September 8 – Portland, OR @ Music Fest NW
September 9 – Seattle, WA @ Neumo's (on sale Friday/Saturday)
