After a 14-year wait, bluegrass icons Alison Krauss & Union Station have announced their highly anticipated return with a brand new album, Arcadia, set to release on March 28 via Down The Road Records. Alongside the album announcement, the band has dropped their debut single, “Looks Like The End Of The Road,” offering fans a first glimpse into their latest musical chapter. This release marks a significant moment for the group and their devoted following, signaling both a nostalgic return to form and a fresh exploration of their signature sound.
Arcadia is brimming with milestones for Alison Krauss & Union Station (AKUS). Not only is it their first studio album in over a decade, but it also introduces new guitarist and vocalist Russell Moore to the lineup. Furthermore, this album marks their debut release on Down The Road Records, a label interestingly founded by the original founders of Rounder Records – Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, and Bill Nowlin, along with John Virant. This connection creates a full-circle moment, reminiscent of Alison Krauss’s early signing with Rounder Records at the young age of 14. This blend of new beginnings and deep-rooted history makes Arcadia a particularly special release for both the band and their longtime listeners.
The core of AKUS remains the beloved ensemble fans have cherished for years. Ron Block continues to contribute his talents on banjo and guitar, Jerry Douglas masterfully plays the reso-guitar, and Barry Bales anchors the sound on bass. Of course, Alison Krauss’s distinctive fiddle and lead vocals remain at the heart of the band’s sound. Early indications, especially from the first single, suggest that AKUS are not only maintaining their exceptional musicality but perhaps even elevating it. Krauss’s vocal performance is reportedly as captivating as ever, complemented by carefully selected material, expertly arranged and recorded with pristine sonic quality.
The lead single, “Looks Like The End Of The Road,” holds a unique significance as the first song Alison Krauss selected for Arcadia. She explains, “Usually, I find something that’s a first song, and then things fall into place. That song was Looks Like The End Of The Road. Jeremy Lister wrote it, and it just felt so alive – and as always, I could hear the guys already playing it.” This insight into Krauss’s selection process highlights the song’s immediate impact and its role in shaping the album’s direction.
“Looks Like The End Of The Road” is described as a dreamy ballad, deeply rooted in the signature AKUS tradition. For fans who have patiently awaited new music from the band, this single promises to be a welcome and comforting return. Its release offers a taste of the sonic landscape of Arcadia and reinforces the band’s enduring appeal.
“Looks Like The End Of The Road” is readily available for download and streaming across all major digital platforms. Fans eager to fully immerse themselves in Arcadia can already pre-order and pre-save the album, ensuring they are among the first to experience the complete collection upon its release.
To celebrate the launch of Arcadia, Alison Krauss & Union Station are embarking on an extensive tour. Kicking off on April 17 with a two-night engagement in Louisville, KY, the tour spans an impressive 75 dates, concluding at the end of September. Fans are encouraged to visit the band’s official website for detailed tour schedules and ticket information, ensuring they don’t miss the opportunity to witness Alison Krauss & Union Station live as they bring the music of Arcadia, including “Looks Like The End Of The Road,” to the stage. This tour promises to be a significant event for bluegrass and country music enthusiasts, marking the triumphant return of a beloved and influential band.
