Khamsin

“Thousand Yard Stare / Abacus” is a double A-side single and Khamsin’s first release since their LP. The two songs reveal the polar ends of Khamsin’s range: “Thousand Yard Stare” is driving, saturated, and dynamic (think Title Fight playing Death Cab for Cutie); “Abacus” is angular, linear, and jangly (think American Football playing Bloc Party). Both songs feature piano and synthesizer for the first time, primarily courtesy of bassist Cole Harrison. The single is released July 10th, 2026.

The band teamed up with longtime friend and first-time producer Julian Shank (Pale Lungs) to record the tracks in May 2026. Corey Coffman (Gleemer, Downward, Soft Blue Shimmer) mixed and mastered the two songs, equally emphasizing the natural tones of Shank’s production and the band’s dynamic playing.

“Thousand Yard Stare” a song about the danger of being radicalized through online right wing pipelines. Yancey Strickler's concept of "the Dark Forest of the internet" inspired Curry’s understanding of the threat of mainstream social media platforms pushing people into deeper, niche, dangerous corners of the internet–”they just want to be seen, understood, and loved.” Ultimately, "Thousand Yard Stare" tells the story of someone pulled so deep away from real connection they feel as if they'll do anything radical for love.

“Abacus” examines the feelings of inadequacy Curry was dealing with after the release of What’s Left of Life?. “I was proud of the album; sonically we did everything I wanted the band to achieve and we earned some important milestones because of the album. But being in a DIY band as you reach your thirties makes you evaluate success versus the demands of ‘real life.’” This feeling is exemplified by the repeated refrain “Will it ever be enough?” and the dense, overwhelming layers of guitars in the song’s climax.

RIYL: From Indian Lakes, Mew, Pianos Become the Teeth, Title Fight, Turnover