New Gregory Uhlmann single "Burnt Toast" out now // EXTRA STARS out LP/CD/DD March 6th
(( photo by Joyce Kim ))
Gregory Uhlmann
"BURNT TOAST"
New single out now all music platforms
Today, Gregory Uhlmann — who is known for his work with SML, Perfume Genius, Hand Habits, and many more, and was included last week in Paste Magazine's '75 Greatest Guitarists of the 21st Century' feature — shares "Burnt Toast," the second single from his forthcoming album Extra Stars (out March 6th).
“Burnt Toast” is an essential example of Uhlmann’s penchant for using the guitar to make non-guitar sounds, but through a distinct and instantly recognizable ability to play the instrument itself in a way that lends to drastic and realtime tonal transformation. It’s a quick and lively skip through a blend of complimentary and warring syncopations, topped with synthetic glissandos and stereo-image warbles placed just so.
(( Extra Stars cover art by Bucky Boudreau ))
Following a long run of supporting work with artists like Perfume Genius, Tasha, and Hand Habits, alongside an eponymous recorded output largely focused on his more singer-songwriter oriented music, Uhlmann has spent the better part of the last couple years trotting out album after album of groundbreaking instrumental modern music. From the sparse melodies and hushed ambient soundscapes of Small Day, to his much-lauded duo outing Doubles with Meg Duffy, to his perhaps lesser-known but no-less-brilliant duo record Water Map with Dustin Wong, to the lush chamber-jazz interplay of his trio recording with saxophonist Josh Johnson and bassist Sam Wilkes, to the two genre-breaking albums he released as a co-leader of synth-laced trance-jazz quintet SML (2024’s Small Medium Large and 2025’s How You Been), Uhlmann has subtly, if not quietly, established himself as an essential presence in some of the most progressive recordings of our time.
Extra Stars encompasses all he’s learned through all the above. A radiant sidereal serenade, the album’s fourteen miniature infinities swirl serendipitous synthesis and measured, melody-rich song into a panoramic menagerie of sound. The compositions and production techniques here reflect Uhlmann’s musicality perfectly, surely the result of him being as much a seasoned practitioner as he is an avid listener. If there is a middle ground between Cluster & Eno, Terry Riley’s Shri Camel, and Yo La Tengo’s There’s a Riot Going On, it’s somewhere nearby. Lofty comparisons aside, Extra Stars seems to look beyond reference or imitation. Even the album’s title indicates as much — inspired by a trip to California’s Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where the reality of the night sky’s starry expanse stretches beyond the boundaries of belief.
Lead single “Lucia” is named after a quaint lodge nestled amongst the cliffside drama of Big Sur. The steady thump and chime of Uhlmann’s guitar repetitions sit atop a field recording of the distant, heavy-winded ocean crash of the Cabrillo Highway coast, held even steadier by harbor bell metallic clank percussion and a firm yet pillowy cluster of electric organ chords and mellotron-like leads. Enter saxophonist Alabaster DePlume, the track's lone feature, with his signature breathy reed work. DePlume hums low in multitrack as Uhlmann leads the steady pulse on, encountering syncopated harmonic pings, fluttering recorder flourishes, and the little bustling sounds of the rural Pacific shoreline. Equally playful and introspective, “Lucia” is the potential soundtrack to a close reading or a thousand yard stare. If Jim Henson dreamt Link’s Awakening this would be the sound he heard.
Listen to “Lucia” (feat. Alabaster DePlume)
and preorder Extra Stars here.
BURNT TOAST
Live video from International Anthem Studios, Chicago
Also today we are happy to share video of Uhlmann performing "Burnt Toast" inside International Anthem Studios at The Land School in Chicago, filmed and edited by Mark Pallman.
(( Extra Stars cover art by Bucky Boudreau ))
Comprising fourteen miniature infinities of inventive guitar textures, bewitching harmonic depth, and metamorphic rhythmic flickers, Uhlmann's new album Extra Stars is a vividly escapist, panoramic menagerie of sound — yet another distinctive entry from an artist who has quickly established himself as an essential presence in some of the most progressive instrumental recordings of our time.
Following a long run of supporting work with artists like Perfume Genius, Tasha, and Hand Habits, alongside an eponymous recorded output largely focused on his more singer-songwriter oriented music, Uhlmann has spent the better part of the last couple years trotting out album after album of groundbreaking instrumental modern music: the sparse melodies and hushed ambient soundscapes of Small Day; his much-lauded duo outing Doubles with Meg Duffy; his perhaps lesser-known but no-less-brilliant duo record Water Map with Dustin Wong; the lush chamber-jazz interplay of his trio recording with saxophonist Josh Johnson and bassist Sam Wilkes; and the two genre-breaking albums he released as a co-leader of synth-laced trance-jazz quintet SML (2024’s Small Medium Large and 2025’s How You Been).
Extra Stars encompasses all he’s learned through all the above. For a record that seldom incorporates percussion instruments, the music is distinctly rhythm-forward, while Uhlmann also leans heavily into swaths of pastoral beauty. Extra care was clearly poured into the kind of harmonic depth that’s often missing from vibe-only “ambient” music, making for a delightfully refreshing take on the electronic, processing-heavy quiet sound.
The compositions and production techniques here reflect Uhlmann’s musicality perfectly, surely the result of him being as much a seasoned practitioner as he is an avid listener. If there is a middle ground between Cluster & Eno, Terry Riley’s Shri Camel, and Yo La Tengo’s There’s a Riot Going On, it’s somewhere nearby. Lofty comparisons aside, Extra Stars seems to look beyond reference or imitation. Even the album’s title indicates as much — inspired by a trip to California’s Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where the reality of the night sky’s starry expanse stretches beyond the boundaries of belief.
(photo by Joyce Kim)
UPCOMING SHOWS
Feb 15 - Angel's Point in Elysian Park (Extra Stars IRL listening party) - Los Angeles, CA - RSVP
Mar 6 - Bandcamp Extra Stars Online Listening Party - RSVP
Apr 16 - Zebulon (album release show) - Los Angeles, CA - tickets
Apr 22 - Public Records (album release show) - Brooklyn, NY - tickets
May 16 - Thing In The Spring - Keene, NH - more info
DELUXE VINYL PACKAGE
Extra Stars comes on a 140 gram vinyl LP, inside a heavyweight reverse-board jacket with IARC obi strip and poly-lined printed inner-sleeve. Lacquers cut by Daniel K at SST, and pressed at Pallas in Germany.
Limited Edition *Star Dust* Color Vinyl - $29
Classic Black Vinyl - $25
also available on
Compact Disc - $15
!!! WINTER '26 BUNDLE IS HERE !!!
Extra Stars is the first of two new physical releases we'll be releasing this winter season. The Winter ‘26 Bundle collects both into a single parcel. Purchase gets you a bundle-exclusive discount of 10% off the LP prices as well as a discounted shipping cost.
Included in the Winter '26 Bundle:
IARC0107 (Gregory Uhlmann - Extra Stars)
IARC0108 (tba soon)
Bundles will ship from our warehouses in the US, EU, and UK, but don’t wait too long, the quantity available in each warehouse is limited! Early purchase is recommended to ensure the lowest possible shipping, tax, and VAT costs. All items will ship together in one package around March 20th. Bandcamp downloads will be sent via email for all the releases by, or before, the ship date.
ORDER THE WINTER '26 BUNDLE on
limited edition color vinyl here
ORDER THE WINTER '26 BUNDLE on
classic black vinyl here
