Noah and the Whale's new album The First Days of Spring (Cherrytree/Interscope) is due out today in the U.S. and is a multi-media experience that has earned the band gushing reviews and sold-out shows in Europe. The Guardian (UK) raved about the album's vivid imagery, saying, "It is also a masterpiece. That, at least, is crystal clear." NME called it a work of "Spiritualized-tinged grandiose beauty." The Observer (UK) warned, "Sufjan Stevens had better watch his back, Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch has been served notice, this is a beautiful album."

And in the unlikely event that the songs' lyrical tales aren't vivid enough, Fink has directed a feature-length film on a shoestring budget as a companion piece and is hosting intimate screenings as part of the band's U.S. tour, including a newly announced date at Piano's in New York on Nov. 1, the night before the band plays three consecutive evenings; residency at Mercury Lounge (see full schedule below).

The First Days of Spring is the fruit of a labor Fink began in 2008, an album that was also a film, and as he sees it, vice versa. The album was recorded in London and New York with producer Emery Dobyns (Patti Smith, Antony & The Johnsons). The film was shot on location in London and Surrey with an ensemble cast including model Daisy Lowe.

Concert dates:
Oct. 20   Los Angeles, CA                    The Roxy
Oct. 21   San Diego, CA                       Casbah
Oct. 22   San Francisco, CA                Swedish American Hall
Oct. 24   Seattle, WA                           Crocodile Café
Oct. 25   Portland, OR                         Doug Fir Lounge (early show and BBQ)
Oct. 28   Madison, WI                        Majestic Live
Oct. 29   Chicago, IL                            Lake Shore Theatre
Oct. 30   Pontiac, MI                           The Pike Room
Oct. 31   Toronto, ONT                        Horseshoe Tavern
Nov. 2     New York, NY                         Mercury Lounge
Nov. 3     New York, NY                         Mercury Lounge
Nov. 4     New York, NY                         Mercury Lounge
 
Film Screenings:
Oct. 6     Los Angeles, CA                    Cinespace
               Dallas, TX                              Good Records
Oct. 8     Minneapolis, MN                Bryant Lake Bow
               San Francisco, CA                Popscene
Oct. 9     Seattle, WA                           Comet Tavern
Oct. 19   Los Angeles, CA                    Space 15 Twenty (Q&A w/Charlie)
Oct. 20   New York, NY                         Angels & Kings
Nov. 1    New York, NY                         Pianos (Q&A with Charlie)  

 
The First Days Of Spring album is now live at iTunes.