Real Estate Guitarist Matt Mondanile Departs To Focus On Psych-Pop Project

US indie-rock/dream-pop outfit Real Estate will see a change to its line-up in the wake of the announcement that guitarist Matt Mondanile would be departing to dedicate himself to long-time side project Ducktails.

The band broke the news in a statement on social media early this morning (AEST) ahead of their first performances in almost a year, explaining that Mondanile — who co-founded the band in 2009 with friends Martin Courtney, Alex Bleeker and Etienne Pierre Duguay — would be replaced by fellow New Jersey local and renowned musician Julian Lynch.

"We're excited to have Julian on board for our live shows and our new album, which is currently in progress," the band wrote. "Matt will continue to focus his create energy on Ducktails."

According to a similar, slightly more detailed, statement provided to Pitchfork, the band explained that they will begin recording their next album, the follow-up to 2014's acclaimed third full-length effort, Atlas, "this summer".

Originally a solo recording endeavour, Ducktails has existed since before Mondanile took up with Real Estate, and has developed into a fully fledged live band that features bassist Josh da Costa, guitarist Malcolm Perkins and drummer Ross Chait.

Real Estate were featured on Day Of The Dead, the recently released Grateful Dead compilation curated by The National, covering the veteran outfit's track Here Comes Sunshine. Since it's very likely (not guaranteed, but very likely) to be the last new release from Real Estate featuring Mondanile in the ranks, give it a spin in honour of the departing string-smith below (or buy the album here).