Garbage have revealed the single “There’s No Future In Optimism“ – accompanied by a gorgeous cinematic video, shot and directed by Benjy Kirkman. This is the first single from the band’s forthcoming new album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, out 30th May via BMG.
Speaking about “There’s No Future In Optimism”, Shirley Manson says: “I love the title. The band sent it to me and I was like, “This is great. I’m keeping that.” But the lyrics are an action against that title. Because if we allow our fatalism or our negativity to really take over, we will crumble. It’s about a city, in my case, Los Angeles, but it could be anywhere where bad stuff is happening. After the George Floyd murder, which is one of few things in my life that I wish I’d never seen: I was changed entirely by seeing the footage of that cop kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. In Los Angeles there were huge protests and a lot of upheaval after that. Above our house in Hollywood, there were helicopters all day long, for days on end. It was really precarious, chaotic and terrifying.”
Garbage’s new album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light was recorded at Red Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Butch Vig’s studio Grunge Is Dead, and Shirley Manson’s bedroom. The record was produced by the band and longtime engineer Billy Bush. The album is unmistakably Garbage and all the hallmarks and signatures for which they are known are present. Big angular guitars, precise, propulsive beats and cinematic soundscapes all lurk beneath Shirley Manson’s unmistakable voice, her lyrics bristling with attitude. This is the sound of a group at the peak of their creative powers – characteristically harnessing sonic juxtapositions and moods to create an album that thrums equally with both light and shade.
Garbage consists of all four original band members, Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig. Over the 30 years since their inception in 1995 they have sold over 20 million albums. Their unique sound, songwriting and electric live performances have inspired worldwide adoration, chart success and critical acclaim. They are considered one of the most influential bands of their generation.
Garbage will embark on a 31-city tour across North America this Autumn, in support of the new album. Let’s hope they announce an Australian tour to go with!
Garbage’s new single “There’s No Future In Optimism” is out now.
Their new album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light is released on 30th May.
Pre-order / save the album HERE.
