In what is certainly one of only a few down moments experienced by Los Campesinos! since forming three years ago, the Welsh outfit has announced the departure of founding member/the yin to frontman Gareth’s yang, at least from a vocal standpoint, Aleksandra Campesinos!. According to a blog posting on the band’s website, Aleks has chosen “to return to her studies,” so, while she won’t be part of one of the more hip, and chip musical outfits around, she will be smarter – which is always a good thing.
What also is a good thing is that this is the only bad news in Los Campesinos!’s world. The rest is good news, because before Alexs does depart, she’ll be taking part in one hell of a going away party. In addition to finishing up their yet-to-be-titled third full-length LP and final with Alexs, which the band hopes to release early next year, Los Campesinos! will return to the U.S. to perform what will be their biggest indoor shows to date – and yes, Alexs will be tagging along for this as well.
Beginning August 4th, Los Campesinos! will hit the states for a month-long endeavor, centered around a few high-profile festival appearances. Tickets for all dates will go on sale on beginning Friday, June 5th. Support on all shows will come from Girls, except where indicated.
The band plans to replace Alexs with a yet-to-be-named longtime friend of the band, and promises to “continue as a band, stronger and more united than ever.”
Los Campesinos! 2009 Tour Dates:
07/11 – Lisbon, PT @ Alive! Festival
08/04 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
08/05 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
08/06 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop *
08/07 – Indianapolis, IN @ Spin Nightclub
08/08 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Firebird *
08/12 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar *
08/14 – Austin, TX @ Emos Outside *
08/15 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre *
08/16 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse *
08/19 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad *
08/20 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress *
08/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre *
08/22 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House *
08/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar *
08/28 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival
08/29 – San Diego, CA @ Street Scene
* = w/ Girls