The Hillbilly Thomists have released their latest album, Strange Land, and will perform at the conclusion of the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage next month.
Strange Land, the group's sixth full-length album, was released on July 27 by Dominicana Records, the in-house record label of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. Proceeds from the group's albums and merchandise support the formation of Dominican friars at the House of Studies, where the band was founded.
All members of the Hillbilly Thomists are Dominican friars of the Province of St Joseph.
“We just released our sixth album, Strange Land, as we begin our summer tour. I’m so grateful for this band of friars I get to make music with,” singer-songwriter Fr Justin Bolger OP said in a press release published by the Order of Preachers.
Fr Bolger described recording and touring as “deeply fraternal experiences”.
“When touring, we get to bring the joy of our shared Dominican life and the Gospel to enthusiastic crowds,” he said.
The Hillbilly Thomists' summer tour concludes on August 8, the Feast of St Dominic, in Nashville.
The new album reflects the group's growth as musicians, according to Fr Austin Litke OP, who sings and plays mandolin in the band.
“People like the band first because of the novelty of a bunch of friars playing music, but then they listen and see that there’s real musicality and depth to the work,” he said.
“This album shows how we’ve coalesced more as a band and are able to play off each other more effectively.”
The group will also perform at the conclusion of the annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage in Washington, DC, organisers announced on August 3.
“Soundtrack to this year’s Pilgrimage just got even better,” the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage wrote on X.
“The Hillbilly Thomists have released their newest album, Strange Land. We’re delighted to welcome them back to the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage, as they close the day with a special concert.”
The fourth annual Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage will take place on September 26 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
According to the pilgrimage's website, the event includes conferences on the Rosary preached by Dominican friars, several hours of Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, Mass, and the opportunity to enrol in the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Strange Land can be streamed on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.
