The Wrens co-frontman Charles Bissell has announced his new solo project Car Colors, which will launch on November 17th with the three-track debut single, “Old Death,” via The Wrens’ former label Absolutely Kosher.

“Old Death” will arrive with two B-sides: “I’ll Bear” and an alternate take of “It’s All Guns and Arrows.” In a press release, Bissell described the song as “my life as The Odyssey disguised as a pop album.” The single will be available on 25th anniversary silver vinyl and digital platforms. Pre-orders are ongoing via Absolutely Kosher or Bandcamp.

The Car Colors’ debut album will follow in full a few months later in “early 2024.” It will include “Old Death” and the official version of “It’s All Guns and Arrows.”

With the announcement of Car Colors, it appears The Wrens have formally broken up. In 2021, bassist/vocalist Kevin Whelan tipped their hand when he grew tired of waiting to work things out with Bissell and took on the moniker Aeon Station. The project’s debut album, Observatory, featured five songs he originally wrote for The Wrens’ follow-up to The Meadowlands. A handful of tracks featured Whelan’s brother and Wrens bandmate, Greg, as well as the band’s drummer, Jerry MacDonald.

Whelan spoke about his decision to start Aeon Station in an interview with The New York Times, which noted that Bissell’s “immediate thought” upon learning of the project “was that the Wrens were dead and he had to make plans for his own album.”

However, Aeon Station have pushed back against the idea that The Wrens have broken up in a new statement issued to Pitchfork. “Though Charles has decided to leave the band, it does not mean that the band has broken up,” they said. “3/4 of The Wrens continue to work together writing, recording music, and playing shows as Aeon Station. Who knows what the future may hold for The Wrens. The other Wrens wish Charles success on his solo project. Thank you to everyone who has supported the band through the years.”

“Old Death” Artwork:

“Old Death” Tracklist:
01. Old Death
02. And It’s All Guns and Arrows (alt. take)
03. I’ll Bear