Alain Johannes has all too often been the man behind the man. The multi-instrumentalist has teamed up with Chris Cornell, and has wandered within Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age's sphere of influence. He collaborated with QOTSA, provided live support for the skull-smashingly awesome super-rockers Them Crooked Vultures, and rocked with the Eagles of Death Metal.

But now, Johannes is ready to go it alone. Next week, his solo debut, Spark, will be released on Josh Homme's Rekords Rekords. The album is lush with textures and emotional subject matter. But it's not a downer. It's upbeat and down-home, infused with Johannes' style-hopping from rock, to flamenco, to middle eastern influence.

Today at 10 am, the album will stream at his website and Johannes plays at Amoeba on October 5th at 7:00, so go and congratulate on some rock well done.

Can't wait to hear it? Here are two free downloads for you:

Return To You – Alain Johannes [MP3]

Fall To Grace – Alain Johannes [MP3]

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