On Mere Survival, maximalist balladeer Joe Wong and his Nite Creatures band follow up their critically-lauded self-titled debut with another adventure into the netherworld of loss, grief, and technological oblivion. Where lesser voyagers revel in the darkness, Wong–also known as a film and television composer (Midnight Gospel, Russian Doll, Master of None) and podcaster (The Trap Set with Joe Wong)-- finds wonder in the muck, spinning rare beauty into outsized songs of redemption and reconciliation. The ten bombastic tracks that make up Mere Survival are flashbangs of hope in the face of despair, a laser light show for all of us dwellers in the void. Written, performed, and produced by Wong, along with co-producer and guitarist, Mary Timony (Helium, Wild Flag), Mere Survival expands on the sonic palette of its predecessor, incorporating other-worldly synthesizer and crusty electric guitars into the Nite Creatures’ signature orchestral psychedelia. Guest musicians include: Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam), Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters, Sunny Day Real Estate), Jim Keltner (John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Dylan), Mary Timony (Helium, Ex Hex), Money Mark (Beastie Boys), Joey Waronker (Beck, REM, Atoms for Peace), Craig Wedren (Shudder to Think), Anna Waronker (that dog.), and more. Features a 30-piece orchestra Mixed by Dave Fridmann
Release date:
February 9, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
GIVĒON BELOVED
Epic Records
July 11, 2025 -
Mono Inc Darkness
No Cut
August 15, 2025 -
Florence + The Machine How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (Blue Marble) [2xLP]
Republic Records
August 29, 2025 -
World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid Dreams of Being Dust
Epitaph
October 17, 2025 -
Greet Death Die In Love
Deathwish Inc
September 12, 2025 -
Parcels Loved
Because Music
September 12, 2025 -
Knosis Genknosis (Translucent Crystal)
Sharptone Records
August 1, 2025 -
Curtis Harding Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt
Anti
September 5, 2025 -
Oh He Dead Ugly
Inkind Music
September 5, 2025 -
The Beaches No Hard Feelings
Beaches Touring Inc.
August 29, 2025 -
Cory Hanson I Love People
Drag City
July 25, 2025 -
Minus the Bear Menos El Oso (20th Anniversary; Pink) [2xLP]
Suicide Squeeze
August 22, 2025 -
Jerskin Fendrix Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire (Shropspire Mud Brown) [2xLP]
Untitled (Recs)
October 10, 2025 -
Alex Williams Space Brain
Lightning Rod Rec.
July 18, 2025