Silversun Pickups’ latest album, Physical Thrills, is not just a new chapter—it’s a reinvention born from stillness, reflection, and unexpected inspiration during one of the world’s darkest times.
When the pandemic paused the Los Angeles band’s tour in early 2020—planned in support of their 2019 release Widow’s Weeds—guitarist and vocalist Brian Aubert found himself shifting focus from the road to home life. With live shows on hold, he immersed himself in parenting his son Nico while his wife Tracy continued working. But even as his attention turned away from the band, melodies quietly took root.
“I would sneak off and start writing these songs,” Aubert shares. “I didn’t know what they were for because I didn’t really think about Silversun on any level. I was just doing it to keep myself calm and keep myself company.”
What emerged was unlike anything Aubert had written before—songs that felt cinematic and surreal, featuring what he describes as “dream shanties,” delicate vocals, and even horror-inspired flourishes. At one point, he thought he was writing a musical. But when the band—rounded out by bassist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao, and keyboardist Joe Lester—reconvened for a Halloween live-streamed acoustic set on The Dark Zone Network’s Queen Mary virtual festival, Aubert introduced them to the new material. Their response? A resounding yes.
The creative spark was reignited. The band reunited with legendary producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Garbage), who had helmed Widow’s Weeds, and recorded Physical Thrills at Vig’s home studio. The result is an album that blends the band’s signature atmospheric rock with introspective, experimental textures that reflect the strange beauty of its origin.
“We’ve been together for twenty-two years; it’s really interesting that we still love doing this,” says Monninger. “We know that we’re fortunate to still be together after all these years, seeking out the silver lining. I feel like we still have many more things to say, and we’re so happy with how this album turned out.”
Silversun Pickups are currently on tour in support of Physical Thrills—and fans in the Coachella Valley will get a chance to experience their dynamic live show when the band performs at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage on June 21st.
