Cougar gets a label, shares new album

Cougar finally have someone to release their second album. London-based independent label Ninja Tune, home to an eclectic roster of hip-hop and electronic artists such as Kid Koala and Daedelus, is slated to release the Madison-formed band's new full-length, Patriot, later this year. The fit is appropriate: Cougar's 2006 album Law is a great instrumental-rock record, but Patriot, recorded with band members spread out around the country, deliberately sounds like less of a "band" record and ventures further into the creatively booming territories of instrumental electronica and left-field hip-hop—though without losing sight of Law's graceful, powerful foundation.

A release date has yet to be set, but Madisonians can come hear Patriot at Cougar's listening party on Feb. 27 at Café Montmartre. In addition to the record, Cougar might also be sharing a single they recorded with Paul Smith, singer of Maximo Park, who joined Cougar for a UK tour in 2007. For now, you can stream the new track "Stay Famous" below. This and another song, "Rhinelander," are also streaming on Cougar's website.

"Stay Famous" by Cougar