Silversun Pickups, consisting of lead vocalist & guitarist Brian Aubert, bassist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao & keyboardist Joe Lester, take great pride in their sonic density. The band hails from LA and has crafted five studio albums, each revealing new sonic layers on every listen. Their sixth album, Physical Thrills, continues this trend.
During a challenging period, Physical Thrills came to fruition almost by accident. With the pandemic disrupting their touring plans for the previous record, Widow’s Weeds, the band found themselves at home. Lead vocalist Brian Aubert shifted his focus to caring for his son, but melodies for a new musical project kept emerging in his mind. These songs took a different direction from Silversun Pickups’ usual style, incorporating dreamy shanties, softer vocals, and eerie sounds.
Produced by Butch Vig, Physical Thrills debuted in August 2022 under their label, New Machine Recordings. Pitchfork describes the album as a bold evolution for Silversun Pickups after 15 years, blending various styles effortlessly. The review highlights the rejuvenated approach of the band, showcasing a mix of elements and a fearless attitude in their music.