Silversun Pickups Au Revoir Reservoir: A Review of the New Single

Why Silversun Pickups’ New Single “Au Revoir Reservoir” Is the Anthem We Need Right Now

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when a band manages to sound both like a frantic heartbeat and a warm embrace at the exact same time. For nearly two decades, Silversun Pickups have owned that space.

With their new single, “Au Revoir Reservoir,” the L.A. quartet—Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Chris Guanlao, and Joe Lester—remind us why they didn’t just survive the mid-2000s indie explosion, but rose above it. This isn’t just another track; it’s the lead-in to their seventh album, Tenterhooks, and it’s a masterclass in tension and release.

The Art of the “Push-and-Pull”

If you’ve been following SSPU since the Carnavas days or found yourself humming “Lazy Eye” in a grocery store aisle, you know their signature move: the roar and the whisper.

In “Au Revoir Reservoir,” that “push-and-pull” is more refined than ever. It starts with that familiar, restless guitar rumble that feels like it’s about to boil over, only to be saved by a “saccharine melody” that catches you off guard. It’s gritty, it’s polished, and it’s unapologetically SSPU.

From Jennifer’s Body to Tenterhooks

Silversun Pickups have always had a knack for being the soundtrack to our lives—literally. From cult cinema favorites to heavy hitters like The Lincoln Lawyer, their music has a cinematic quality that feels “coursing through culture.”

But where 2022’s Physical Thrills was hailed by Pitchfork as their most carefree work, “Au Revoir Reservoir” feels more urgent. It’s anxious and emotionally charged, matching the frantic energy of the world around us. It’s a pop song, sure, but it’s one with teeth.

Why This Track Hits Different

• The Hook: It features a “honeyed” vocal delivery from Aubert that balances out the heavy atmospheric keys.

• The Energy: Chris Guanlao’s drumming remains some of the most intense in the game, driving the track forward with a sense of “now or never.”

• The Vibe: It bridges the gap between the stadium-sized rock they played while touring with Muse and Foo Fighters and the intimate, “Tenterhooks” feeling of their new era.

The Verdict

Tenterhooks is shaping up to be a collection of ten tracks that are as timeless as they are timely. If “Au Revoir Reservoir” is any indication, Silversun Pickups aren’t just meeting the moment—they’re defining it.

Give “Au Revoir Reservoir” a spin on your favorite streaming platform and get ready for the full ride that is Tenterhooks.