Wilco’s new album is called ‘Star Wars’ and it’s available for free

Think of “Star Wars.” Pop culture figures associated with the phrase include Luke, Leia, Lucas and Abrams. And now: Wilco and house cats.

Chicago’s always adventurous, occasionally experimental rock band Wilco surprise-released its new album for free on its website late Thursday afternoon. The work is dubbed “Star Wars,” and its cover boasts a fluffy milk-white cat.

Pop & Hiss hasn’t yet had time to listen, of course, although opening track “EKG” is all pointy left turns and needling guitars, a more anxious and live sound than Wilco has displayed on recent works. Nevertheless, we’re generally fans of cats and “Star Wars,” and are appreciative that Wilco has tapped into two of the Internet’s two favorite topics.

The 11-song work comes on the eve of Wilco’s headlining Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival. We won’t be there, but Wilco is coming our way soon enough. The band is headlining the Greek Theatre on Aug. 5, for which tickets are still available.

Earlier this year leader Jeff Tweedy visited Los Angeles in support of “Sukierae,” a double album recorded with his son, Spencer. At the time, Tweedy said Wilco had about 37 songs in various states of completion.

He teased to a Wilco that would feel a little rough around the edges.

“There’s a more vigilant desire to keep things sounding wild and spontaneous,” Tweedy said.