London-based band Hejira allow us a second glimpse into their forthcoming new LP “Thread Of Gold” (22nd February, Lima Limo Records) with newest single “Joyful Mind”. “Joyful Mind” sits neatly in Hejira’s canon without retreading any of its own steps. As a single, it marks a band not only comfortable and confident in their own expression, but also open-eyed to new influences and inspirations, continuing to craft their sound and offer new surprises with every new release. The track opens with a field recording of pilgrims celebrating the last point of their journey around northern Ethiopia — taken by the band on location — before gently falling into Hejira’s characteristic bittersweet, leftfield-aligned soul. Centred on captivating vocal hooks and subtly exotic string arrangements, it underpins the band’s love of the otherworldly, the mesmerising, and the unpredictable. Both single and album describe vocalist, bass guitarist and co-songwriter Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne’s changing relationship with her homeland of Ethiopia after the death of her father. “It’s a reminder that you’re not defined by loss,” Rahel says. “It’s about the positive experiences you have with people that might not be around anymore.” The lyrical refrain “maintain a joyful mind” is based on a series of short Buddhist mantras, explains multi-instrumentalist and producer Sam Beste. The LoJong teachings — 51 in total — act as spiritual reflections for meditation: a perfect foundation for Hejira’s songwriting.