Now, Now's new name is the result of a band who wanted to push themselves in a different direction, specifically after a self-imposed hiatus and the addition of Jess Abbott a few years back. It wasn't just the traditional duo of Cacie Dalager and Bradley Hale that people had come to know anymore, and there was a feeling of general exhaustion in the mix that needed to be remedied. So while the release of their debut Cars in 2007 was widely accepted in the region as a mature and emotive record, and one that would set the band's career in motion, they really disappeared in many respects — at least until my inbox surprised me in early January.

Now, Now is releasing their follow-up Threads on March 6 via Trans Records, owned by Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie. Early tracks already illustrate that this will be one of Minnesota's biggest albums in 2012 — it's a serious showcase of talent, the result of taking some time to refine their playing and further bolstered by recording the album away from home in Vancouver over a month's span. "Thread" in particular features Bradley's propulsive and simultaneously unhinged drumming, Land Of Talk-esque vocals from Cacie and Jess, and moments of guitar shredding brilliance. Pre-orders for Threads are already in full force (and going quickly — it's out March 6) and Now, Now plays a CD release show at the Triple Rock on March 3.

Download "Thread" from our Song of the Day page and subscribe to the podcast while you're at it. Now, Now will be the guest performer on this Sunday night's edition of The Local Show starting at 6 p.m. CST.