During a recent appearance on the “On The Road To Rock” podcast with host Clint Switzer, Candlebox frontman Kevin Martin shared some exciting news with fans. Despite previously billing their 2023 record, The Long Goodbye, as their final release, the veteran rock group is officially working on a brand new studio album.
Confirming the band’s renewed creative energy, the singer explained their timeline for the upcoming project.
“Yeah, for some reason we think we should make another record. We have eight songs now. We’re working on probably two or three to get done, and single releases this year, and then go for the full album release next year.”
Kevin also opened up about the massive impact of having original Candlebox guitarist Peter Klett back in the touring lineup. He noted how returning to the stage with his longtime bandmate completely revitalized the group’s live performances.
“It’s been really just a pleasure. When he came back last year and we did, I think we did, like, 15 to 16 shows last year, maybe 20, I don’t recall, it was just like old times. And I think that the thing that I forget, when I leave the touring world and I go home and I’m with my family and I’m kind of doing what I do around the house, I forget how much Candlebox actually means to me. And having Pete back in the band, it’s icing on the cake, really. He’s such a stellar player. He’s such a beautiful soul and a beautiful human being. And it really just ups the game when we get out on stage, because he brings all of that, the magic fingers that he has, right back to those songs.”
He further detailed how the returning guitarist’s unique playing style effortlessly guides his own vocal delivery, comparing the chemistry to his experiences playing alongside current guitarists Brian Quinn and Island Styles.
“It’s funny — when he plays, I sing the song exactly how it’s supposed to be sung,” Kevin explained. “It’s just the oddest thing. With Brian and Island, I can go wherever I want, but there’s something about how [Pete] plays that it makes me sing the song exactly how it was done on the record. It’s wild.”
In July 2024, Candlebox treated fans to an expanded version of their latest record, officially titled A Little Longer Goodbye (Tour Edition). Released digitally across all major streaming platforms via Round Hill Records, the deluxe edition featured the original 12 studio tracks alongside the standalone single “Washed Up“. It also included live renditions of “Elegante” and “Cellphone Jesus“, which were recorded during a performance at Club Amanda in Santiago, Chile, in late 2023.
