Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Arcade Fire Release New Single “Year of the Snake”

Ben Houdijk / shutterstock.com
Ben Houdijk / shutterstock.com

Arcade Fire has announced their much-anticipated seventh studio album, Pink Elephant, set to be released on May 9, 2025, via Columbia Records. The album emerges amidst a period of reflection and renewal for the band, following allegations of sexual misconduct against frontman Win Butler by multiple women in 2022. Butler has asserted that the relationships were consensual, though he acknowledged the impact of his actions. Despite the allegations, the band maintained its professional commitments, including continuing their tour for the 2022 album WE and appearing in various performances.

The new album, Pink Elephant, is the band’s first major release after the departure of Will Butler, Win Butler's brother, who left the group in 2022. The album was co-produced by Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, and renowned producer Daniel Lanois. Arcade Fire has described this album as a “cinematic, mystical punk” journey exploring themes of light, darkness, and the perpetual striving for inner beauty. The album title refers to the paradox where the suppression of a thought only makes it more persistent, a metaphor that might also resonate with the band’s current endeavors to move past recent controversies.

The lead single from the album, “Year of the Snake,” has been released, alongside a contemplative video that complements the song’s themes of change and renewal. This single, reflective of the Lunar New Year’s symbolism, suggests a time of shedding old skins for new beginnings, encapsulating the band’s journey towards rejuvenation. The track characterizes a shift in Arcade Fire's musical style with chill, contemplative alt-rock features, incorporating anthemic elements accompanied by a thrumming bass line.

The album consists of ten tracks, offering titles like “Open Your Heart or Die Trying,” “Circle of Trust,” and “I Love Her Shadow,” each promising a different narrative scope. The song “Cars & Telephones,” shared on the band's new Circle of Trust app, however, will not make it onto the album’s final cut. This app, specifically designed for their fans, provides exclusive content such as videos, early access to tickets, and other special features, aiming to reconnect with their audience.

Pink Elephant’s announcement was eagerly awaited, especially after the band’s prior engagement in festivals and collaborative events, including a special performance with David Byrne and St. Vincent. More than just a new album, this release seems to stand as a reflective point for Arcade Fire, striving to reclaim their artistic narrative and redefine their public persona after a year plagued with controversy.

Check Out “Year of the Snake” by Arcade Fire Here:

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Kate Nash Birmingham Pride, UK - 25 May 2019

Kate Nash Unveils Powerful New Single ‘GERM’

Kate Nash, renowned for her ability to intertwine social commentary with catchy melodies, has once again ignited conversations with her…

Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon iHeartRadio ALTer EGO, Show, The Forum, Los Angeles, California, USA - 15 Jan 2022

Kings of Leon Cancels UK/European Dates Due To ‘Freak Accident’

Kings of Leon, a prominent name in the rock music scene, recently announced the unfortunate cancellation of their much-anticipated UK…

Jason Bonham of Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience performs at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023 Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience in concert, Hard Rock Live held, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023

Jason Bonham Extends Tour & Adds North American Dates

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening is amplifying its celebration of the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s eminent album “Physical Graffiti”…

Billy Strings Austin City Limits Music Festival, Weekend 1, Day 3, Texas, USA - 06 Oct 2019

Billy Strings Returns To The 2025 Bluegrass Festival

The rise of Billy Strings in the bluegrass world has been nothing short of phenomenal, marked by both his musical…

John Butler Trio performs during the Solidays festival in Paris, France, on June 22, 2019. 2019 Solidays Festival - Paris, France - 22 Jun 2019

John Butler Announces New Solo Album ‘PRISM’

John Butler, the renowned Australian musician, is poised for an impactful return with the release of his new solo album,…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Releases New Song “Dialing In”

Thom Yorke, the iconic frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has unveiled a new track entitled “Dialing In,” which serves…

Bono attending the "Bono: Stories Of Surrender" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2025 in Cannes, France. "Bono: Stories Of Surrender" Red Carpet - 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival, France - 16 May 2025

Bono Supports Springsteen Saying ‘There’s Only One Boss in America’

In a recent series of media appearances, U2’s Bono has become a vocal ally of Bruce Springsteen in the ongoing…

Tim Mcilrath Lead Singer and Guitarist of the Chicago-based Melodic Hardcore Band Rise Against Performs During Their Concert at the Annual Volt Festival in Sopron 208 Kms West of Budapest Hungary 02 July 2015 the Festival Runs From 01 to 04 July 2015 and Presents International Acts on 15 Stages Hungary Sopron Hungary Music Festival - Jul 2015

Rise Against Announces First New Album In Four Years

In a significant return, Chicago’s punk rock stalwarts, Rise Against, have announced their first album in over four years, titled…

James "J.Y." Young and Tommy Shaw of Styx perform at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Jan 2025 Styx in concert at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Jan 2025

Styx Confirms New Concept Album

Rock legends Styx are set to make waves again with their latest studio effort, “Circling From Above.” This album represents…