Ultimate Painting broke up, new LP has been shelved indefinitely

Well this is a bummer. Ultimate Painting, the duo of Jack Cooper (Mazes) and James Hoare (Veronica Falls), have broken up and their forthcoming album, Up! (which was to be their first with Bella Union and out in April), has been shelved indefinitely. Jack Cooper made the announcement on Ultimate Painting’s Facebook:

I’m very sad to announce that Ultimate Painting are no longer a band. Anyone who has worked with us knows that the partnership at the core of this band has always been a very fragile thing, but due to an irreconcilable breakdown we will no longer be working with each other. Obviously if there’s no band, then it’s understandably not really in Bella Union’s interests to put out the previously announced album, therefore I’ve asked them not to release ‘Up!’ at this point in time, which they have agreed to. Thanks to everyone who bought our records and supported us. You know who you are.

Ultimate Painting, who were always a real treat live, last played NY opening for Yo La Tengo at SummerStage. Last year, Jack Cooper put out a solo album on Trouble in Mind, and James’ other band, The Proper Ornaments, released Foxhole — both are worth checking out.