Silversun Pickups Agora-bound in support of Widows Weeds – News-Herald.com

In terms of using jaywalking as a metaphor, taking such a shortcut requires timing and knowledge of ones surroundings.

For example, alternative-rock band Silversun Pickups arrived on the scene more than a decade ago channeling a heavy 90s and, specifically, Smashing Pumpkins vibe. Had the Los Angeles-based group at that time decided to record with famed 120 Minutes-era producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth), the move would have been too much on the nose.

However, enough time has passed for the band with its roughly 10 top-20 alt-rock hits and a handful of records that no one batted a Lazy Eye when the outfit decided to work with Vig for its latest album, Widows Weeds.

Weve never consciously tried to go to a sound or go away from it, said bassist Nikki Monninger, calling from Milwaukee. This is how we sound, and Butch is just fine-tuning wherever were at.

Were not afraid because hes worked with so many bands who have been influential to us. Instead, its like were embracing that, and hes just a calming influence on us. Hes just got so much going on in his head. He really knows what hes doing.

Theres a good argument to be made that Widows Weeds represents a fully realized Silversun Pickups with its guitar-heavy jams such as lead single It Doesnt Matter Why as well as the string-heavy, catchy title track, Dont Know Yet.

Conceptually, the bands fifth studio effort is an extroverted affair that delves into rebirth and renewal. Little did the group know that nine months after its release the material would provide a perfect pandemic soundtrack.

Relistening and replaying songs on the album, were realizing these are very timely right now, Monninger said. Some of the lyrics feel like they were written right now as opposed to a couple of years ago. There are a lot of things to relate to whats happening in the world.

Whats happening right now in the world of Silversun Pickups is not only finishing up its next studio effort with Vig its due out next year but also completing a proper tour supporting Widows Weeds that began roughly two years ago.

On the road prior to the world shutting down in early 2020, the band was a week away from playing Cleveland when the tour was cancelled. After more than 18 months, Silversun Pickups returns to Cleveland Nov. 14 for a gig at the Agora Theatre.

We were looking forward to seeing you guys in 2020 but things happened, Monninger said. Were so happy to be coming to see you. We really do have a soft spot for Cleveland.

As for the aforementioned jaywalking reference, thats related to a previous Silversun Pickups visit to Cleveland, when a guitar tech ran into some late-night trouble. After a night of partying, the bands former crew member was arrested for jaywalking.

A lot of times when weve gotten in trouble, its been the crew, not the band, Monninger said. Its kind of funny. Also, now were always paying attention to the rules in Cleveland.

Actually, Jaywalking in Cleveland sounds like a great song title just waiting to be written.

I think so, Monninger laughed. Well see if it comes out on our next album.

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14.

Where: Agora Theatre, 5001 Prospect Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: $35 to $50.

Info: agoracleveland.com.

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Silversun Pickups Agora-bound in support of Widows Weeds - News-Herald.com