Bleeds (Wednesday album)

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Bleeds
Wednesday - Bleeds.png
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 19, 2025 (2025-09-19)
StudioDrop of Sun (Asheville, North Carolina)
Label Dead Oceans
Producer Alex Farrar
Wednesday chronology
Rat Saw God
(2023)
Bleeds
(2025)
Singles from Bleeds
  1. "Elderberry Wine"
    Released: May 21, 2025
  2. "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)"
    Released: June 18, 2025
  3. "Pick Up That Knife"
    Released: July 24, 2025
  4. "Bitter Everyday"
    Released: August 19, 2025

Bleeds is the upcoming sixth studio album by American rock band Wednesday. It is set to be released on September 19, 2025, through Dead Oceans and follows the band's critically acclaimed 2023 release, Rat Saw God .

Contents

Background and themes

Frontwoman Karly Hartzman described Bleeds as the "spiritual successor to Rat Saw God " and said it represents what the band was "supposed to sound like" after spending a great deal of time trying to figure that out. [1] According to her, the album is the quintessential "Wednesday Creek Rock" record. [2] Originally, Hartzman wanted to title the album Carolina Girl, but her bandmates were unsatisfied with the name. The final title, Bleeds, comes from the song "Reality TV Argument Bleeds", which Hartzman felt paired well with the band's name ("Wednesday Bleeds"). The album showcases a "cohesion across a variance of sound", drawing partly from the band's earlier themes. Hartzman acknowledges that, in a way, she's "writing the same songs over and over", but with the intention of refining and improving them in the process. [3]

Most songs on the album were written before Hartzman and bandmate MJ Lenderman ended their romantic relationship after six years in 2024. However, several lyrics already hint at the strain in their bond. While themes of loss and violence influence the album, Hartzman does not view it as a "dark record". Instead, she embraces a more realistic perspective, describing it as having a "southern gothic attitude", a sound that's "a little bit scary, but with a heart of gold underneath". [4]

Promotion

The band announced the album on June 18, 2025, coinciding with the release of the second single, "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)", and its accompanying music video directed by Joriel Cura. [5] Recorded at Drop of Sun in Asheville, North Carolina with longtime producer Alex Farrar, the album features twelve tracks, including the previously released single "Elderberry Wine", which arrived on May 21, 2025. [6] To support the album, the band will embark on a U.S. tour in October and November 2025. [7] Support acts include indie rock band Friendship and Daffo. Guitarist MJ Lenderman will no longer join the band on tour but continues to collaborate with them on music. [8]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Karly Hartzman, Margo Schultz, Mark Jacob Lenderman, Richard Miller and Alexander Reuben.

Bleeds track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Reality TV Argument Bleeds"3:02
2."Townies"3:15
3."Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)"3:28
4."Elderberry Wine"3:35
5."Phish Pepsi"2:29
6."Candy Breath"2:52
7."The Way Love Goes"1:56
8."Pick Up That Knife"4:21
9."Wasp"1:26
10."Bitter Everyday"3:21
11."Carolina Murder Suicide"4:24
12."Gary's II"2:35
Total length:36:44

References

  1. Taylor, Sam (June 18, 2025). "Wednesday announce new album Bleeds with lead single "Wound Up Here"". Dork . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  2. Farrell, Margaret (June 18, 2025). "Wednesday Announce New Album Bleeds, Hear "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)"". Stereogum . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  3. Sherman, Maria (July 29, 2025). "Wednesday frontwoman Karly Hartzman talks new album Bleeds". Associated Press . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  4. Lorusso, Marissa (June 20, 2025). "Wednesday's Karly Hartzman on 2025's best alt-rock album". The Guardian . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  5. Murray, Robin (June 18, 2025). "Wednesday Announce New Album Bleeds". Clash . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  6. Corcoran, Nina (June 18, 2025). "Wednesday Announce New Album Bleeds, Share Video for New Song: Watch". Pitchfork . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  7. Blistein, Jon (June 18, 2025). "Wednesday Announce New Album Bleeds, Share New Song "Wound Up Here"". Rolling Stone . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  8. Hardman, Neville (June 18, 2025). "Watch: Wednesday share new song "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)"". Alternative Press . Retrieved August 2, 2025.