The Crimea are offering a download of their self-funded sophomore album, Secrets of the Witching Hour, for free via their website. The new release features a guest appearance from Regina Spektor and production from The Cure’s Dave Allen.
Warner Bros. released the band’s debut album, which yielded a top 40 song, “Lottery Winners on Acid,” and sold about 35,000 copies, predominately in the U.K. But when Warner dropped the band in the fall, the Crimea decided to self-finance this follow-up.
The band plans to make up for the “lost income” by growing their fan base, a move that will lead to increased concert and merchandise sales.
Paradoxically, the band says it hopes that its campaign could lead to another major-label deal. “I don’t want to burn any bridges,” says drummer Owen Hopkin. “I love the music industry.”
[via The Wall Street Journal]
DOWNLOAD >> Track 05, “Bombay Sapphire Coma”