Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are getting get back to the basics with their upcoming album, Sticks and Stones. Out on July 14th via 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers, the album is a return to fun-loving, carefree country music, as evidenced by a new duet with Lainey Wilson, “More Than Friends”.
Sticks and Stones comes in contrast to 2021’s A Few Stars Apart, a thoughtful contemplation of the distance brought on physically and emotionally by the pandemic. On Sticks and Stones, it appears that Nelson is ready to get back to writing music that is as fun to play as it is to hear.
“This album is about celebrating the human connection, joy and excitement,” the bandleader said. “We went from quiet and introspective on A Few Stars Apart to something big and fun to really showcase the band’s talent and performance. You can listen to the album Sticks and Stones from start to finish and get the songs to dance to and then the quiet, poignant songs. To me, this album is the perfect setlist.”
Related: Tedeschi Trucks Band Welcomes Lukas Nelson At Ryman Auditorium Finale [Photos/Videos]
An homage to classic creative kindred spirits like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, “More Than Friends” with Lainey Wilson is a mindless, boot-scootin’ singalong. The lyrics carry a Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling” kind of vibe that the good times are going to last forever, a feeling bolstered by Nelson declaring, “I promise that tonight will never end” in the hook.
“Let’s have some fun,” Nelson told CMT who premiered the track. “It’s not the best advice, necessarily, but not every song is.”
Below, check out “More Than Friends” by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real featuring Lainey Wilson from Sticks and Stones, available here for pre-order. The band is gearing up for an April tour set to begin on the 1st in Charles Town, WV, culminating with Lukas’ dad Willie Nelson‘s two-night 90th birthday blowout at the Hollywood Bowl (4/29–4/30). The group has also added new June dates in the U.K. and Ireland. For tickets and a full list of tour dates head here.
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – “More Than Friends” (ft. Lainey Wilson) [Official Video]
