The Districts: ‘If Before I Wake’

The Districts' first two albums featured twangy indie rock that endeared them to live audiences. But the Philadelphia quartet's forthcoming album "Popular Manipulations" marks a new direction for the group.

Singer and guitarist Rob Grote says new songs like "If Before I Wake" came from a desire to explore a different sound after a demanding touring schedule in recent years. The single moves at a slow tempo but with high intensity, particularly in Grote's vocals. It combines elements of shoegaze, drone music and anthemic rock in just three minutes.

The Districts perform July 11 at Globe Hall.

Download "If Before I Wake" via the link above.