Five years after the release of Social Cues, Cage the Elephant has stunned fans once again with its alternative release, Neon Pill.
The five-year gap has been the longest the band has gone without releasing a new album, as they usually produce new music roughly every two years.
However, Neon Pill remains consistent, providing the same high-energy vocals and great instrumental support that have been present in the band’s previous releases. They have produced a solid work that also includes experimentation with electronic backings and musical timing.
Title track “Neon Pill” provides the whimsical groove fans have been missing since Social Cues.
While furthering the band’s typical sonic profile, Neon Pill opens up a window to more emotional sounds. “Out Loud” reflects on experiences frontman Matt Schultz has undergone in the past several years, making this release sound much more vulnerable than previous albums.
“Metaverse,” meanwhile, contains a nostalgic sound, and is one of many reflective tracks on the album. The lyrics address facing the inevitable passage of time and coping with the unpredictability of human life.
Neon Pill still provides the expected angsty beats and unpolished vocals. Schultz’s emotional connection to his music heavily influences the deep belts present on Neon Pill, setting the album apart from other albums popping up in the indie genre.
The album also revisits bass-heavy, quirky sounds, which were very prominent in the band’s self-titled album, released in 2009. Longtime fans will recognize these sounds in tracks like “Ball and Chain” and “Good Time.”
Overall, the passion for creating music is still exuberant in Cage the Elephant. The band has grown with their fanbase, and each album, including Neon Pill, marks massive landmarks in their catalog.
