The Wood Brothes Announce New Album ‘Puff of Smoke’ with “Witness”

The Wood Brothers released their last studio album, Heart Is the Hero, in 2023. Not wanting to leave their fans waiting too long, they’re ready to release another collection of songs into the world. Yesterday (April 24), they announced their ninth studio album, Puff of Smoke, with the album opener “Witness.” Check it out below.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Witness” gives listeners a look at the Wood Brothers’ evolution since the release of their last album. The arrangement alone is enough to keep the listener interested. The New Orleans-style horn section and barroom piano are the undisputed stars of the show, though.

[RELATED: Watch The Wood Brothers Perform The Band’s “Ophelia”]

“The concept of the song is about being a ‘witness’ to your own thoughts and actions. That comes from a meditation and mindfulness practice,” Oliver Wood said about the song’s lyrics. “Essentially, I’m just watching things happen. I’m not gonna be my feelings. I’m gonna watch ‘em float by. And all the wordplay in the verses is just for fun,” he added.

The Wood Brothers on Puff of Smoke

The Wood Brothers spoke about their forthcoming album in a press release. “We’re not in control, and that can be good news,” Oliver shared. “Puff of Smoke speaks to the idea of letting go and taking the ride,” he added. The guitarist/singer/songwriter called the 11-song collection “eclectic,” noting that it “Goes in a number of different directions.”

While much of Puff of Smoke will be about “letting go and taking the ride,” the band’s shared focus on mindfulness and meditation also comes out in the lyrics. “Songs like ‘The Trick’ and ‘Witness’ are very much about mindfulness. ‘The trick is not to give a damn–so that’s detachment–or, ‘I’m just a witness’–I’m just watching things happen,” he explained.

“There’s a lot to unpack musically in this band,” shared Chris Wood. “It’s been this evolutionary process over the years on each record. Over time, the diversity of things we can do has all become part of our language,” he added.

Puff of Smoke is out August 1. Fans can pre-order or pre-save a copy today.

Featured Image by Douglas Mason/Getty Images