The New Mourning are preparing to unveil their second album, Songs of Confusion, on January 17—a collection that digs deep into the uncertainties of modern life and the personal questions that arise when faced with change. This eight-track album is the latest work of Thomas Pronai, musician and recording engineer, whose vision for The New Mourning revolves around capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of rock ‘n’ roll stripped down to its core. The songs were crafted in Pronai’s (mostly) analog studio, nestled in the rural edges of Austria’s Pannonian Steppe, a setting that adds an earthy, organic tone to every note recorded. This backdrop, away from the rush and hum of urban life, shapes the essence of Songs of Confusion.
The journey of Songs of Confusion began with Pronai’s time touring with Pete Astor’s band, experiencing the synergy of a live band playing raw, simple songs. That experience laid the groundwork for The New Mourning and shaped Pronai’s desire to channel that energy onto tape. Since then, the band has evolved, fueled by two years of live shows that honed their sound, bringing a sense of both immediacy and depth to the recording process. The Bass VI, a recent addition to the band’s lineup, is central to Songs of Confusion, adding a distinctive weight and layering that creates a unique “wall of guitars.” This three-guitar approach creates an enveloping sound that feels at once massive and intimate, lending itself perfectly to the themes of uncertainty and inner reflection that define the album.
Songs of Confusion delves into moments of introspection and turbulence, where clarity and uncertainty collide. In this work, Pronai explores a paradox many will recognize: the tension between needing to make sense of things and the confusion that often comes from trying. Each track carries a different shade of this emotional landscape, capturing moments of hope, doubt, resolve, and the questions we keep coming back to. It’s music for those who feel caught between worlds, struggling with the weight of expectation and the urge to break free. This album resonates with listeners who understand that confusion is often an inevitable part of finding one’s path, and that rock ‘n’ roll remains one of the most powerful ways to express it.
