While nearly everyone and their sister seemed to release new music in 2012, we heard nary a peep from some of my favorites. Portland electropop duo Van Go Lion was among those who had fallen silent — until today, posting three new tracks. As it turns out, Amy Paige and Josh Loerzel had a very good reason for their radio silence, even if that very good reason wasn’t really good at all.

“The bad news is these are the last Van Go Lion songs EVER!,” Paige tells Popservations, saying that after nearly four years of creating music together, she and Loerzel decided to part ways. “We spent the beginning of the year finishing up these songs while I tried to figure out what I was going to do with myself.”

“I was broken up and so stressed about what I would do until I met an amazing producer named Jason Wann,” she reveals. Calling Wann her “new musical soulmate,” Paige says they plan to reveal their new project with an EP in early 2020. “There’s something about this new music… I think it packs a bigger punch.”

So the bad news of Van Go Lion’s breakup is made better by two things. First, we get to hear three new tracks from the now-former twosome. “Words” and “When The Truth Hurts” elicit instant love, while “Tracks On Repeat” is a grower that presents the duo’s previously unheard ballad side. Nothing like leaving us wanting more! Second, while the spotlight has been temporarily dimmed, I can’t wait to hear what Paige has in store for her second, even bigger act.

Free download of Van Go Lion – “Words,” “Tracks On Repeat,” and “When The Truth Hurts” via the players above.