Post Nothing

Background

The band self-financed the recording of Post-Nothing in the summer of 2008, with the intention of self-releasing it in 2009. However, by the fall of 2008, King and Prowse had become convinced that the band was going nowhere, and mutually decided to call it quits at the end of the year. It was agreed that they would self-release the album early in 2009, but would not promote it.

In January 2009, Japandroids signed to independent Canadian label Unfamiliar Records, who were eager to release the album, despite the band's reservations about continuing. Frustrated by label interest only after they had decided to break-up, King and Prowse reluctantly agreed to continue Japandroids temporarily, and began performing live again. In March 2009, taste-making website Pitchfork Media awarded the song "Young Hearts Spark Fire" a 'Best New Music' designation, instantaneously exposing the band to a large audience outside of Canada.

Release

Post-Nothing was released in Canada on April 28, 2009 by Unfamiliar Records, originally on vinyl only (Unfamiliar had offered to press Post-Nothing on either CD or LP, but not both, with the band opting for an LP release). Pitchfork immediately championed the album, awarding it a 'Best New Music' designation, and praising its rawness, energy and reckless abandon. Japandroids were subsequently signed to Polyvinyl Record Co. in June 2009. Polyvinyl Record Co. re-released Post-Nothing worldwide on August 4, 2009.

Reception

Post-Nothing was released to widespread critical acclaim, especially in Canada where Exclaim! named it the second best album of 2009. It was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize as well as nominated for the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year. The album was also well-received internationally, appearing on many year-end lists including Pitchfork Media (#15), SPIN (#16), NME (#39), The A.V. Club (#25), Pop Matters (#35), Stereogum (#21). The album peaked at #22 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Personnel

Singles

Although no official singles were released from Post-Nothing, the songs "Young Hearts Spark Fire" and "Wet Hair" were released to promote the album prior to its release in the US and UK/EU respectively.

Initially, the band had desired to include several more tracks on the album, but were unable due to insufficient funds. Many of the un-included tracks that the duo had written for the album were later recorded and released in 2010 as series of limited edition 7" singles.