System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian's new solo EP, Perplex Cities, is almost upon us, and today (October 18th), the singer offered up its final single, "Rumi Loves His Cars." Presumably about Tankian's son Rumi, who was also the subject of a 2021 cut of the same name, the song opens with spare piano work and the SOAD vocalist's contemplative singing before heading off into weirder tangents. Listen above via its visualizer video.
Due out October 21st via Arloopa, Perplex Cities has been described by Tankian as representing "a completely different sound than what I've done before," leaning into a more electronic-ambient approach.
Next April, the System frontman will lean further into "different" sounds with the performance of "Invocations," an original orchestral suite that he will debut at The Soraya at California State University Northridge. Tankian has assembled a team of diverse vocalists to join him for the concert, including renowned tenor Brian Thorsett, world music singer Azam Ali, sound healer Francesca Genco and Abysmal Dawn frontman Charles Elliot. Backing them will be the CSUN Symphony Orchestra, ethnic instrumentalists (including duduk master Jivan Gasparyan Jr.) and a full choir. Tickets for the one-time outing are available now.
