You Sing Like You’re Joking is set for release on February 5

Palehound is back — and wittier than ever. The indie star, whose real name is El Kempner, has announced their fifth album, sardonically titled You Sing Like You’re Joking . Set for release on February 5 via Polyvinyl, the project marks Kempner’s first full-length album in nearly four years following 2023’s Eye on the Bat .

Kempner has shared their first single in two years, “Natural Disasters” alongside the album announcement . The relentless folk tracks starts soft as Kempner strums on an electric six-string until they put their fretwork on full display for a raw-edged solo that matches the frustration of losing a friend. “Natural disasters are closing in on us / And you’re still holding a fucking grudge,” Kempner sings on the chorus. “I was like, ‘Damn, the future is pretty doomy right now.…