premiere: heyward howkins “be frank, furness”

It's officially November--the mornings are brisk, everyone in our office is eating soup, we've got our flannels on, and at night we turn the heat on before turning in. The year winds down and as we head into the winter it's time to kick back with a little whiskey and some chilled-out tunes. Cue the relaxed sounds of Heyward Howkins and his brand new record Be Frank, Furness.

The record drops tomorrow, but you can sit back and warm your soul to it in its entirety right here today. The Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter, known as the lead guitarist of The Trouble With Sweeney and as a founding member of The Silver Ages, has struck out on his own. This record embodies a timeless sound, employing organic instrumentation with tracks built on choral melodies rare in this day and age. Tracks like "Lorraine" and "Brite Kites" boast a most appropriate trumpet and while "Sweet Tea Oleander" is laced with Creedence-esque guitar tones and a Hammond B3. Co-produced by Ben Riesman (Le Fits, Bart Davenport) and engineered by Quentin Stoltzfus (Mazarin/Light Heat, The Walkmen, Lilys, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) Be Frank, Furness is as honest and relaxed as any Cat Stevens record. The record's last track "Pundit," with it[s harmonium intro and floor tom thumping chorus, is our favorite.

Put on your flannel, grab a drink, and listen to the album below and get it HERE tomorrow. Follow Howkins on Twitter HERE and check HERE for live dates.