Silversun Pickups – Long Gone

January 16, 2026 Alex Teitz

Today, Silversun Pickups, the multiplatinum, GRAMMY-nominated Los Angeles quartet share their song and accompanying music video for “Long Gone” the latest single off their forthcoming album, Tenterhooks, which will be released on February 6th via their label, New Machine Recordings.

The video features a cameo from famed host and DJ Matt Pinfield and was directed by Suzie Vlcek who shares, “this was a Gen X dream to work with Matt Pinfield. Growing up with MTV, I had a healthy obsession with music videos, truly believing it was a solid career choice, to direct them. I blame Matt a little, because his endearing curiosity and non-cynical love for all music was contagious. 120 minutes and Matt’s voice was the last of its kind, before shows had judges and lost that authenticity, inclusivity and charm

For the album, the band —Brian Aubert [vocals, guitar], Nikki Monninger [bass, vocals], Christopher Guanlao [drums], and Joe Lester [keys]—reunited with producer Butch Vig to create an emotionally charged and unapologetic collection of ten tracks appropriate for the times, yet as timeless as anything they’ve done. “We wanted to make a tight record that could fit on one vinyl with five songs on each side,” says Aubert. “To me, it’s an impatient, apprehensive, and more aggressive album. We started recording when the world was changing again. You invariably wonder, ‘What are we headed towards?’ Even if you’re not necessarily writing about it, it bleeds into how you’re feeling and approaching life. We stripped things down and went louder and rawer.” Tenterhooks will be available on all formats including CD, LP (including exclusive and signed variants), and digitally here. The band will also release signed, limited-edition color vinyl including a “Thorns and All” (orange and wood half-half LP) variant, a “Hot Wired” (blue and gold splatter with blue core LP) variant, a “Witness Mark” (blue marble with orange core LP) variant, as well as a VEEPS exclusive (orange marble LP) variant.

Silversun Pickups had finished touring in 2024 and enjoyed a rare break. During the downtime, Aubert saved voice memos, riffs, and other ideas as they came to him. Before he knew it, he found himself back in the studio with his bandmates and longtime producer Butch Vig [Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage]. After two records together, they had perfected a real-time exchange of ideas. The musicians grabbed their instruments and jammed live as the producer listened and recorded. The album took shape seamlessly, but life intervened. Butch had commitments on the road with Garbage, taking him away from the studio. Aubert meanwhile went through one of the worst nightmares imaginable for any artist: he lost hearing in one ear. During a seven-day stay in the hospital, he even received a blood transfusion. “I had a hole in my ear drum,” he recalls. “They couldn’t figure out why I was losing blood, so they gave me the transfusion. We found out there was a rupture in my stomach lining due to the ibuprofen I was taking for the pain. That’s why I had been losing blood. One day, I was finally hearing again.” Eventually, the band regrouped with Vig and concluded the sessions. The title referenced the phrase, “On Tenterhooks.” “There was something in the air,” he observes. “It seemed as if everyone was on Tenterhooks waiting for whatever was next. The music has the same feeling.”

The opener “New Wave” alternates between heavenly and hard-hitting. A massive palm-muted riff carries the harmony on the chorus. Its sublime chug dissolves in the wake of an evocative solo soaked in reverb.

“Au Revoir Reservoir” revolves around a snappy groove, ethereal keys, off-kilter horns, and a lush vocal from Monninger.

Then, there’s “Long Gone.” Frantically strummed acoustic chords rush ahead at the pace of a late-night escape. Strings echo in the distance, and Aubert assures, “I’ll be long gone before we break it.”

The finale “Hot-Wired” offers a fitting bookend. Feedback cackles and buzzes, increasing the voltage with kinetic synths.

Tenterhooks represents both a full circle moment and a natural step forward for Aubert and band. Silversun Pickups cut their teeth on the East Side of Los Angeles, honing an inimitable style by playing nonstop. Their full-length debut, Carnavas [2006], went Gold and spawned the Platinum staple “Lazy Eye.” On its heels, they logged two back-to-back Top 10 entries on the Billboard 200 with Swoon [2009]—featuring the Gold-certified “Panic Switch”—and Neck of the Woods [2012]. “We’ve been a band for 25 years,” Aubert says. “I never would’ve imagined we would’ve been able to do this for so long. Somehow, we’re here. I’m thrilled we’re a band that people still find. When you listen to us, I hope you feel like after all of these years we still give a shit.” In the end, Silversun Pickups sound as urgent and undeniable as ever on Tenterhooks.

Today, the band also announced a special hometown release show on Friday, Feb 6 at LA’s The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever. Additionally, Nikki and Brian of the band will perform an acoustic set at the famous Amoeba Hollywood, followed by a signing by the full band, on Tuesday, February 10.

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