It is interesting how, when we least expect it, our lives can change. These moments are defining to who and what we are. In 1994, something big happened to two people on a simple flight to Cambridge for an exchange program. A famous origin story for the Alternative Rock band Silversun Pickups: Nikki Monninger caught Brian Aubert’s attention when she stole alcohol from the drink cart across from him, which soon led to a conversation about music that developed into a lasting friendship. Beginning in 2000, Aubert and Monninger, joined by Guitarist Jack Kennedy and drummer Elvira Gonzalez, became known as the Silversun Pickups, playing at Los Angeles nightclubs as often as they could and eventually becoming part of the Silver Lake music scene. Then, in 2002, after the departure of Kennedy and Gonzalez, the band found a new drummer, Christopher Guanlao, and soon added Keyboardist Joe Lester, which became the lineup mostly everyone recogizes.
Since then, the band has gained notoriety for their Shoegaze sound and intriguing electronic style, as heard on early albums such as 2006 debut Carnavas, 2009’s Swoon, and beyond. Now established for 26 years as a musical entity, Silversun Pickups have carved out a strong niche in the Alternative Rock world, highlighted by Grammy nominations, top singles, and more. Still, all these years later, the band seeks new and exciting ways to create memorable songs and hopes to do the same with their 2026 album, Tenterhooks.
Released on February 6, 2026, through Silversun Pickups’ own label New Machine Recordings, Tentherhooks comes nearly 4 years after Physical Thrills. Their seventh overall studio album was delayed slightly due to Aubert being hospitalized with a severe eardrum injury in early 2025. Thankfully, making a full recovery, Aubert and the band reunited with Garbage’s Butch Vig to handle production, and the result is yet another stellar set of songs.
With 10 tracks in total, the new album features the singles “The Wreckage” and “New Wave,” which use distorted guitar sounds and electronic synths, showing that Silversun Pickups is still riding high on the Indie Rock waves. Beyond these, songs like “Au Revoir Reservoir” are enticing because they incorporate Monninger’s soft, smooth voice. While the course is heavily layered with reverb, the verses carry only a slight reverb, and the music seems to flow with Monninger’s voice as she pleads, “Help me outside.” A true highlight of the album, it concludes with melodic keys and guitars.
Now, while Silversun Pickups is easily recognized for their very ethereal sound, let us not forget their interesting and exotic lyrics. With this in mind, “Wakey Wakey” is a prime example as Aubert sings the course “a dream, dream, a dream, dream we gotta get outta here.” Brief at only two minutes, it has a catchy sound that sticks with you after the first listen. Later on, “Long Gone” is a bit different, relying on acoustic guitar and adding a cello and soft keys in the back for a deeper feel. A great change-up, the cello really brings the track to the forefront. Which leads us to the album’s finale, “Hot Wired,” which is rather fantastic. Starting with heavy, distorted guitars, it is brightened by the drums before Aubert enters with his unique voice, which goes hand in hand with a very distinctive lyrical stance.
Overall, Silversun Pickups continue to stand out all these years later. With their unique Indie Rock and Shoegaze sound, the band continues to create something complex yet enticing in a very human way. Remaining fresh and writing strong songs, Cryptic Rock gives Tetherhooks 5 out of 5 stars.
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