The fourth full-length album from the Toronto-based dark synth-pop band led by Katie Stelmanis finds her taking a collage approach, sampling material from improv sessions with new musicians she’d never met prior to this project.

Being in a toxic relationship can sometimes feel like being lost in a maze. HiRUDiN is both a bold acknowledgement of such patterns of behavior and a testament to the power of breaking them, an album about the importance of healing the self, letting go of harmful influences, and finding the power to rebuild through exploring your innermost desires. It reaps the rewards of Austra’s leap into the unknown, in her most introspective yet inventive statement to date. Released 05/01/2020 by Domino Recording Co, HiRUDiN is available here on limited edition dark green vinyl. Includes poster. (CD release date 05/15/2020.)