MJ Lenderman Announces New Album ‘Manning Fireworks,’ Drops First Single

MJ Lenderman will come knock, knock, knockin’ with another album titled “Manning Fireworks,” out Sept. 6 via Anti-.

The indie rock darling, who also lends his alt-country guitar chops to the band Wednesday, released “She’s Leaving You,” the first single for his next solo effort. In the music video, directed by Whitmer Thomas and Clay Tatum, Lenderman plays alongside magicians and cheerleaders at a talent show of sorts, for an unenthusiastic audience.

Per a press release, the song “is a half-sneering portrait of a middle-aged man cheating his way through a midlife crisis, at least until he gets caught and blasts Clapton in a rented Ferrari en route to Vegas.” We’ve all heard that age-old tale before.

Lenderman recorded the nine-song “Manning Fireworks” at Drop of Sun Studios in his hometown of Asheville, N.C. It features the previously released “Rudolph” and a few other tracks that have been teased at live shows, like “Joker Lips” and “Wristwatch.”

“MJ lets us in on his frank observations on the intersection of wit and sadness,” reads a statement from the press release describing the new record. “The punchlines from his previous albums are still here, as are the rusted-wire guitar solos that have made him a favorite for indie rock fans looking for an emerging guitar hero. But there’s a new sincerity, too, as Lenderman lets listeners clearly see the world through his warped lens.

“Manning Fireworks” follows Lenderman’s 2023 live album, “And the Wind (Live and Loose!),” and his critically acclaimed 2022 record “Boat Songs.” He appeared on Waxahatchee’s album “Tigers Blood” earlier this year, and last year toured with Wednesday in support of their 2023 album “Rat Saw God.”

View the tracklist for “Manning Fireworks,” and watch the music video for “She’s Leaving You,” below.

1. Manning Fireworks
2. Joker Lips
3. Rudolph
4. Wristwatch
5. She’s Leaving You
6. Rip Torn
7. You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In
8. On My Knees
9. Bark At The Moon