Joe Wong - Mere Survival (2024)

On Mere Survival, maximalist balladeer Joe Wong and his Nite Creatures band follow up their critically-lauded self-titled debut with another adventure into the netherworld of loss, grief, and technological oblivion. Where lesser voyagers revel in the darkness, Wong–also known as a film and television composer (Midnight Gospel, Russian Doll, Master of None) and podcaster (The Trap Set with Joe Wong)-- finds wonder in the muck, spinning rare beauty into outsized songs of redemption and reconciliation. The ten bombastic tracks that make up Mere Survival are flashbangs of hope in the face of despair, a laser light show for all of us dwellers in the void. Written, performed, and produced by Wong, along with co-producer and guitarist, Mary Timony (Helium, Wild Flag), Mere Survival expands on the sonic palette of its predecessor, incorporating other-worldly synthesizer and crusty electric guitars into the Nite Creatures’ signature orchestral psychedelia. Guest musicians include: Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam), Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters, Sunny Day Real Estate), Jim Keltner (John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Dylan), Mary Timony (Helium, Ex Hex), Money Mark (Beastie Boys), Joey Waronker (Beck, REM, Atoms for Peace), Craig Wedren (Shudder to Think), Anna Waronker (that dog.), and more. Features a 30-piece orchestra Mixed by Dave Fridmann.