Dalton, the creative project of indie musician and multi-instrumentalist Nate Harar, will release his new album More Songs About Love And Death on October 10. The record continues Harar’s tradition of writing and producing entirely on his own, recorded in the quiet of his small studio apartment. His DIY approach gives the music an intimate and handmade quality, balancing rawness with precision.
The lead single, “Same Old Story,” is available now across streaming platforms. Built on a shuffling backbeat, acoustic guitar, and layered harmonies, the track captures what Harar calls “ramshackle” energy. “I find ramshackle acoustic numbers very enjoyable to make,” he explained. “Probably because they’re inherently messy, and any flubs on the guitar just give the track more ‘character’. The lyrics in this one start with an overly broad overview of life, as if being witnessed by another species from above. I also included some anecdotes from Will Hermes’ biographical recounting of Lou Reed's final days, which I found incredibly sad and moving. Interweaving this ‘what does it all mean’ theme along with the death of one of my heroes creates an interesting juxtaposition.”
Musically, “Same Old Story” carries a melancholic tone reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel and Magnetic Fields, blending rough-hewn textures with melodic warmth. The song’s handmade feel and lyrical sweep also draw a line to the homespun experiments of early Beck, though its hushed vocal delivery leans toward the reflective mood of Peter Gabriel’s softer work.
Dalton first emerged in 2012 when Harar began posting solo recordings online after growing restless with band life. His debut self-titled album, released in 2015 through Fierce Panda Records, earned critical praise, with NME writing, “There’s a joy to his melancholy… one that draws you in and holds you close until the song’s final notes.” Drowned In Sound called the record “something of a triumph.”
Since then, Harar has moved between Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, all while refining Dalton’s sound. The new album finds him stripping away distortion and leaning on acoustic instruments and strings, a shift that highlights Dalton’s melodic instincts and lyrical depth. With More Songs About Love And Death, Harar has created his most introspective and resonant work yet.