"Impala," the legendary second Songs:Ohia album, originally released in 1998 and long out of print, will be reissued on vinyl by Secret Canadian in August. This release includes a newly remastered demo of "Tess," originally recorded during the "Impala" sessions. Lorain, Ohio; it's a tough place to grow up. You either escape or you don't. Given the industry that exists (or existed) there—the steel mill, the Ford plant, and the shipyard—the mix of people is like no other. One thing is for sure, though: it's a working-class town through and through. What does that have to do with a new Songs: Ohia release? Well, Jason—the main songwriter—grew up in this godforsaken hole of a town, just like me, and no matter how much you try to leave, the town never truly leaves you. "Impala" is further proof of Jason Molina's songwriting talent. The tracks on this album offer a glimpse into the soul of a man trying to exorcise the demons of life and loss. This isn't something you can fake. This is what happens when you grow up knowing that the factories where your parents worked aren't an option for you, and that your only real option is to try and get out (easier said than done). Stripped down to Jason and Geof Comings, the tracks on "Impala" are the sparsest and most structured pieces the band has released to date. One of Songs:Ohia's most honest and powerful releases. New product