Whalen and the Willows will be releasing their first album as a group complete with a concert at the Austin ArtWorks Center on Thursday, Oct. 23.

The four-song EP “The Passing Days,” will also be available for download through iTunes, Spotify and CD Baby earlier that day.

“We kind of planned it that way,” Joshua Whalen said. “That way people could pick up the album that day and hear it before coming to the show.”

The CD is the first for Whalen and the Willows since forming around Whalen himself, who is coming off a solo run. The group consists of Whalen (guitar vocals), Jessica Williams (vocals) and Victoria Torkelson (violin, vocals).

Whalen is quick to admit this is a different kind of animal compared to his solo work.

“If you have come out and seen me and my solo show, then people should know this is a different experience,” Whalen said.

“We have two extra band members,” Whalen continued. “We have more layers and it’s more of a show.”

Even though this is no longer a solo project, Whalen said this will still be a “close show.”

“It will still be an intimate show, especially in the Austin ArtWorks Center,” Whalen said. “This is three people putting together a good live show.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.