The American rock band Cage the Elephant has garnered well-deserved praise for breathing new life into the music genre, and this remains true after the release of their 6th album “Neon Pill.”
After the release of “Social Cues” in 2019, the band went silent as lead singer Matt Schulz found himself in an internal battle with psychosis and getting arrested for bringing loaded firearms to a hotel.
Their latest album is an eclectic mix of melancholia, hope and raw emotional confessions. Each track offers a glimpse into the band’s struggles and triumphs, with Schulz recounting his vulnerabilities, anchoring the album’s narrative. Although it isn’t as catchy or consistent as the band’s previous work, Neon Pill stands as a solid entry in their discography.
Opening the album, “HiFi (True Light)” sets a melancholic tone while introducing listeners to the band’s evolving sound. Its steady rhythm and subtle introspection paves the way for the emotional depth that follows.
An energetic anthem, "Rainbow" offers an uplifting contrast to the darker moments of the album. Its hopeful lyrics remind listeners of the light that can pierce through life’s shadows, making it one of the album’s standout tracks. It also formally introduces Schulz’s struggles with trying to find happiness within his battle with mental health, again contributing to a bittersweet mood throughout the song.
The title track “Neon Pill” is a deeply personal exploration of Schulz’s struggles, including his highly publicized arrest. With high-energy beats and poignant lyrics, it tackles themes of addiction and resilience, delivering a strong message of overcoming adversity and self-complicity. The track serves as a gateway between the introductory melancholic mood of the first part of the album and the more emotionally riveting moments of the second part.
“Out Loud,” perhaps the most emotionally raw track, feels like a personal confession from Schulz with lyrics that do not necessarily feel songlike. Slower and more intimate, it explores themes of regret and redemption, standing out as the album’s most moving moment.
An addictive earworm, "Good Time" is the album’s most infectious track. Its catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentals offer a welcome reprieve from the heavier themes, representing Schulz’s fleeting moments of happiness. It also captures a bit of the nostalgia behind the heavy instrumentals featured in previous albums, whereas “Neon Pill” prefers to be more intimate with its lyrics.
“Silent Picture” blends uplifting instrumentals with lyrics that touch on the pain of being unseen in moments of suffering, described as suffocation. The track also represents the loss of friends and growing out of touch with loved ones due to self-negligence. Its optimistic instrumental and cohesive sound make it a memorable addition to the album.
Closing the album, "Over Your Shoulder" offers a moving instrumental backdrop to Schulz’s reflective lyrics. With heavy guitar chords and bass drums, it feels formulaic yet fitting, tying together the themes of loss and acceptance. It also serves as a nostalgic window to the band’s early days of producing music with simple instrumentals but convincing lyrics, giving listeners old and new something to appreciate as the album ends.
Generally, “Neon Pill” features symbolic songs that capture Schulz’s struggles with acceptance, addiction and being caged in more ways than one. “Shy Eyes,” “Float Into The Sky” and “Metaverse” all serve to emphasize the bittersweet nature of reality and the ever-growing need for escapism, accompanied by exceptional instrumental and vocal performances.
Still, it still suffers from a few albums that are below the band’s average. “Ball and Chain” has weaker messaging because of its focus on its incorporation of an improvised and reckless instrumental.
“Same” features a much more repetitive strain that succeeds more in messaging but less so in the compositional department. While these tracks are not bad by any means, they happen to fall short of the highs of the album and of the band as a whole.
Overall, “Neon Pill” is a cohesive and deeply personal project, with each track contributing to the emotional mosaic of Cage the Elephant’s journey. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their raw, emotive roots.
Although it is not as strong as the band’s other albums in terms of instrumental power and catchiness, the themes of self-struggle and acceptance ring true in their latest work. It marks another addition to their impressive and unique discography and is a solid return to form after a five-year hiatus.
Rating: 7/10 - Good
Best songs: “Good Time,” “Neon Pill,” “Rainbow,” “Out Loud,” “Silent Picture”
Weakest song: “Ball and Chain”
