Silversun Pickups unveil seventh album “Tenterhooks” and release music video for “Au Revoir Reservoir”
Silversun Pickups have recently unveiled their seventh studio album, Tenterhooks, a significant milestone for the long-standing Los Angeles quartet. Produced by Butch Vig, this album signifies a new era for the band while staying true to the raw energy that has characterized Silversun Pickups for over two decades.
Following the conclusion of their 2024 tour obligations, the band found themselves in a rare moment of calm, which led to the creation of Tenterhooks. During this downtime, lead singer Brian Aubert took the opportunity to collect ideas, capturing snippets as voice memos and riffs before reconvening with the rest of the group. The recording process focused on capturing live performances, with all band members playing together in the same room while Butch Vig expertly captured the essence of their collaboration. The resulting album consists of ten tracks, deliberately sequenced to fit onto a single vinyl LP, a throwback to the analog era.
The title, Tenterhooks, reflects the band’s mood during the writing process. Amidst the backdrop of global uncertainty, the album is imbued with a sense of apprehension and tension that naturally seeped into the music. The result is a collection of songs that emphasize volume and immediacy, stripping away any excess and allowing the core essence of Silversun Pickups to shine through with newfound intensity.
However, the creative process faced interruptions when life took an unexpected turn. Butch Vig had to step away for touring commitments with Garbage, while Brian Aubert dealt with a serious medical emergency involving hearing loss in one ear. This unexpected health scare led to a lengthy hospitalization, a ruptured eardrum, and other complications, forcing Aubert to undergo a blood transfusion and a gradual recovery. These challenges left a lasting impact on the recording sessions, underscoring the delicate balance between artistic momentum and vulnerability that permeates the album.
Musically, Tenterhooks bridges the band’s early guitar-driven roots with the textured soundscapes they have explored in later releases. The opening track, “New Wave,” sets the tone with its juxtaposition of melodic lifts and raw intensity, while “Au Revoir Reservoir” showcases a tight rhythmic groove, atmospheric keys, and a captivating vocal performance from Nikki Monninger. Tracks like “Long Gone” and the album closer, “Hot Wired,” further highlight the band’s sonic evolution, blending acoustic elements with bursts of energy and swirling synths.
Accompanying the album release is a visually striking music video for “Au Revoir Reservoir,” directed by Suzie Vlcek, a longtime creative collaborator with the band. Through this visual medium, Monninger takes center stage, embodying the collaborative ethos that has defined Silversun Pickups’ aesthetic over the years.
Tenterhooks also marks a full-circle moment for Silversun Pickups, a band that emerged from the bustling Silver Lake scene in 2000 and gained prominence with their breakthrough debut album, “Carnavas,” in 2006. Over the years, they have continued to evolve and expand their musical horizons, with each release showcasing their growth and maturation. With a core lineup that has remained intact for 25 years, Silversun Pickups have cemented their status as a mainstay in the modern rock landscape.
In support of Tenterhooks, Silversun Pickups are embarking on a 33-date tour across North America in 2026, including a sold-out hometown album launch at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever. This tour underscores the band’s enduring connection with their loyal fan base, who have followed them from intimate clubs to larger venues over the years.
With Tenterhooks, Silversun Pickups have crafted a record that encapsulates their journey thus far while pointing towards a promising future. This album is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their artistry, showcasing a band that continues to push boundaries and defy expectations with each new release.