The Civil Wars will release a follow-up this summer to the duo’s Grammy-winning debut album “Barton Hollow,†but they provided no hint about whether they would reunite or go on tour.
Many of songs on the new album was written last year before the duo, Joy Williams and John Paul White, abruptly canceled a European tour and split up, citing “internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition.†It is unclear when the new material was recorded. The cover shows billowing black smoke with the title “The Civil Wars†superimposed. The new album will be distributed by Columbia Records.
The duo announced the album on their Web site and posted two handwritten notes. “I am fiercely proud of this album,†Ms. Williams wrote. “A lot of soul sweat and tears went into its creation. I hope you feel the heart in each song, that it might connect with yours. We are, each one of us, all journeying, learning and growing along this ever-evolving path.â€
Mr. White was briefer: “Patience is a virtue. Yours has been appreciated. Here’s to the hope you consider it rewarded.â€
Last year, the Civil Wars won the Grammy Award for best folk album for “Barton Hollow,†and a second trophy, for best country duo or group performance, for the title track. This year, they shared a third Grammy with Taylor Swift for “Safe and Sound,†a song they had composed with Ms. Swift for the “Hunger Games†soundtrack. Though they appeared together on the Grammy stage to accept the award, both have remained publicly mum about the source of their disagreement and their plans.
