Just posted this in the DBT thread but I'll post it here as well. As I said in the other thread, they all look so happy here, super nice to see.
I doubt it's actually a rock album. Maybe more electric-led tracks and probably some angrier material, but I seriously doubt he leans that far away from his country/Americana roots.
I'm sure he won't stray from his roots like you said, but I am very excited at the prospect of a more electric-focused album from him. When he performs live the full-band plugged in versions of songs like 24 Frames are so awesome. Given his songwriting skills and his talent as a guitar player (along with a great backing band) he really can do no wrong.
At this point I think he could bang on a cardboard box for 90 minutes and I'd love it. Have no interest in attempting to categorize a record that doesn't exist yet. What makes his songs great are the songs themselves not the particular arrangements, so fret not ye loyal fanbase!
Just got a press release about the tour that said that 1) Jason is putting the finishing touches on the record as we speak, and 2) this: For Record Store Day on April 22, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will release the special vinyl only Live from Welcome To 1979. The album features six songs, with five covers, performed live at Welcome To 1979 studio in Nashville and recorded directly onto lacquer. The tracks include The Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and ‘Sway”, John Prine’s “Storm Windows”, Candi Staton’s “Heart On A String”, Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” and Isbell’s own “Never Gonna Change.”
Man he chose some great songs to cover. Really looking forward to hearing his take on that Prine song