SPILL ALBUM PREMIERE: THE KING CANUTES – EASTERN SEABOARD, PERFECT SUMMER

THE KING CANUTES – EASTERN SEABOARD, PERFECT SUMMER

A SPILL EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PREMIERE

The transatlantic duo The King Canutes are back to deliver a postcard from the Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer – well an entire record actually and it happened to be their debut album. It is released via Magic Door Record Label, who have brought us so many great acts over the past half-decade, ensuring Montclair, New Jersey continues to hold strong on the music map.

The King Canutes is Keir Woods and Richard Alwyn Fisher and their long-gestating debut offers nine tracks that sound like a lovingly curated mixtape from world-weary intellectuals who still believe in the power of a perfect pop hook. The album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording Studio.

With production handled by the expert touch of Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna), the record manages to weave together the influences they wear on their sleeves like a badge of honor. Tracks like the soaring opener “Seymour Stein (for Earle Holmes)” and the evocative title track “Eastern Seaboard” showcase the duo’s journey and vision, capturing the cosmopolitan grit of New York and the foggy romanticism of London – a journey fifteen years in the making that pays off beautifully.

While the album is rich with original material, of particular note is their bold take on Prefab Sprout’s classic “Cars and Girls”. It’s less a cover and more of a loving deconstruction, they transform Paddy McAloon’s wistful original into a smooth, swaggering rock ride-out while making the song entirely their own.

The album’s tracks, from the punchy “Mixture as Before” to the achingly beautiful closer “Come Undone”, are elevated by an incredible roster of NYC indie veterans with world-class status, adding a polished sheen to this release.

‘Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer’ is a testament to the duo’s tenacity and commitment, serving up a sophisticated slice of indie-pop that’s perfect for fans who appreciate their melody with a side of lyrical depth.

Lending their talents to this outstanding collection are Mac Gollehon (David Bowie, Al Jarreau, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger), bassist Dave Derby (Dambuilders, Gramercy Arms, Lloyd Cole), Kendall Meade (Sparklehorse, Mascott), Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones), vocalist Jessie Kilguss, David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville), John Leon (Roky Erickson), Doug McEachern (Suran Song in Stag), Renée LoBue (Elk City) and Verena Wiesendanger (Semi Gloss).

“I’m so proud of the album and that we managed to keep the flame alive for all these years. Every addition, expansion and revision added something. The final cut represents the best we can possibly be, and that’s deeply satisfying!,” says Keir Woods.

Richard Alwyn Fisher adds, “From the opening horn blast of “Seymour Stein (for Earle Holmes)” to the achingly beautiful ride out of “Come Undone”, this album really shows The King Canutes at our finest. There are many styles here, all held together by the vision Keir and I have been forging for a long while.”

On November 23, The King Canutes holds their album release show at New York City’s Berlin – Under A, joined by Elk City and The Dambuilders, reuniting to perform their 1989 debut album A Young Person’s Guide.

ALBUM CREDITS

Written by Keir Woods and Richard Alwyn Fisher, except
‘Cars and Girls’ written by Paddy McAloon
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door in Montclair, NJ
Keir Woods / vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
Richard Alwyn Fisher / vocals, backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
Dave Derby / bass, backing vocals
Doug McEachern / drums
Kevin March / drums
Ray Ketchem / drums, percussion, keyboards, programming
John Leon / pedal steel guitar
Mac Gollehon / horns
David Nagler / piano
Mike Dillon / vibraphone
Kendall Jane Meade / duet and backing vocals
Verena Wiesendanger / duet and backing vocals
Jessie Kilguss / backing vocals
Renée LoBue / backing vocals
Joe Colwell / backing vocals
Album artwork by Ray Ketchem
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Artist photos by Lisa Whiteman
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

While you’re here, feast on their latest video for “Seymour Stein (for Earle Holmes)”:

The King Canutes
Eastern Seaboard, Perfect Summer
(Magic Door Record Label)
Release Date: November 21, 2025

Artist Links

Background Photo Credit: Lisa Whiteman