Cage the Elephant's latest album, 'Neon Pill,' has been a product of a tumultuous journey for the band. Lead singer Matt Shultz revealed that the band faced significant challenges, including personal losses, the impact of the pandemic, and his own medical crisis.
Shultz disclosed that he had a medical emergency that led to his arrest and hospitalization. Following an incident in January 2023, where he was charged with criminal possession of firearms, it was discovered that he had been experiencing adverse reactions to prescribed medications for several years, resulting in episodes of psychosis.
After a two-month hospitalization and subsequent outpatient therapy, Shultz embarked on the task of completing the album, which had been in the works for five years. He described the process of revisiting the lyrics as decoding the words of a different person and trying to capture the original sentiment behind them.
The album, 'Neon Pill,' showcases a diverse range of rock genres, from glam to piano ballads to alt-rock. The band reunited with producer John Hill, known for his work on their Grammy-winning album 'Social Cues,' to create a collection of songs that reflect a fusion of their musical influences.
The title track, 'Neon Pill,' delves into Shultz's personal experiences, with lyrics that reflect his struggles and growth. The song has already climbed to the top of Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, marking the band's 11th No. 1 hit.
Several tracks on the album pay homage to Shultz's family, including a song inspired by his father's journey and another that mourns his father's passing in 2020. The band drew inspiration from their father's music, incorporating elements of his style into their own compositions.
Shultz emphasized that 'Neon Pill' represents a departure from their previous works, as the band focused on creating music that resonated with their own artistic vision rather than emulating others. The album serves as a testament to their growth and evolution as musicians.
