Last month, Above & Beyond announced that their Acoustic III tour which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic would not return in 2021, but rather in 2022. It now appears that the release date for the Acoustic III album itself is also delayed, from this summer to December.
The album postponement came to light in an Imgur post by someone who ordered it from the Anjuna music store. The reason for the postponement seemed similar to why the tour was pushed back: Covid-19.
“Unfortunately, recent events have delayed the album and it will no long be arriving this summer,” the message shared on Imgur states. “Set your alarms for December 11th, 2020.”
Preorders will remain valid and other items bought will be shipped once available, according to the note.
“Thanks for your patience and we can’t wait to share Acoustic III with you at the end of the year,” the message concludes. “It’s sounding incredible!”
Acoustic Details
As of Wednesday night, the Acoustic III website still stated that the “selection of reimagined Above & Beyond hits and catalogue classics” would be “released on Anjunabeats this summer.” Clicking the pre-order button redirects to the vinyl, CD, and download options. Purchasing presumably would lead to the message about the delay shared on Imgur.
The trio comprised of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki enlisted musical director Bob Bradley to arrange/co-produce the album. Acoustic III is described as a “subtle departure” from the first two albums in the acoustic series.
“Fans can expect more uptempo arrangements, bold brass instrumentation and just the right amount of funk,” the album description states.
The album promises new arrangements of some of the band’s biggest hits from their studio album, Common Ground. It also includes reinterpretations of club singles from 2019.
Covid Impact
While the trio hasn’t released a public statement about the album postponement, they have been hit directly by Covid. Siljamäki was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March. He spent the following two months in isolation, practicing breathing exercises, and meditating. Siljamäki has recovered but still experienced shortness of breath in mid-May.
In early May, the band attributed moving the Acoustic III tour to 2022 to it being “a big logistical challenge.”
“Sadly, with so many unknowns in our industry right now, we’re just not confident enough that we can present the tour we want to next year,” they stated.
Good things come to those who wait, right?
Until then, fans can enjoy Above & Beyond’s Club Mix Collection compilation celebrating their 20-year anniversary.