Geologist, photo by Merrick Weitz

Brian Ross Weitz, better known as Animal Collective’s Geologist, has shared “Government Job,” the second single from his debut solo album, Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? Geologist’s forthcoming project, set to release via Drag City on Jan. 30 via Drag City, will end his tenure as the only Animal Collective member without an independent studio venture, and the second advance offering hammers home its emphasis on new sonic frontiers.

Unlike the lead single “Tonic,” which took its name from the venue where Weitz first saw Keiji Haino on a hurdy-gurdy, the latest Geologist track takes away his hand-cranked string instrument of choice. In place of the distinctive drone that runs through the album, he centers rough acoustic guitar slaps from his son, Merrick Weitz, set against plinking, vaguely-organic synths, vibraphone chimes and tumbling drums. Geologist coupled the release with a personal reflection.

“20 years ago, I left a government job to do Animal Collective full time. That might sound like a no-brainer trade, but there are days I don’t know about that. I liked the job, and think there is honor in many government jobs — especially living in DC now, as I watch so many crucial ones being eliminated with little reason beyond cruelty and greed. I got to be part of many beautiful things in music, but if I still had the job I’d ideally be part of a solid foundation that lets others experience and do beautiful things themselves. So for the song “Government Job,” I stripped away all the hurdy gurdy parts from my live set and gave the electronic foundation to Adam [McDaniel], Emma [Garau], and Merrick to express themselves on top.”

Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? was recorded in Asheville, N.C., with producer Adam McDaniel, and Weitz’s Animal Collective bandmate David “Avey Tare” Portner contributes throughout. While this is his first solo album as Geologist, he collaborated on A Shaw Deal with Doug Shaw and joined forces with Jim Thomson and Mark Minsker for Motherfuckers JMB & Co’s Music Excitement Action Beauty last year.

Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? is available to pre-order and pre-save now. Listen to “Government Job” below and read on for the album’s full tracklist.

Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? – Geologist:
01 “Oracle Road”
02 “Tonic”
03 “RV Envy”
04 “Not Trad”
05 “Color In The B&W”
06 “Compact Mirror/Last Names”
07 “Government Job”
08 “Pumpkin Festival”
09 “Shelley Duvall”
10 “Sonora”