Gothic mizzogs and all-time band-drama world champions Smashing Pumpkins have finally released some music to accompany the slow-build up of hype ahead of their reunion shows and (probably, eventually) forthcoming album.
It’s produced by perennial safe pair of hands Rick Rubin and goes a little something like this:
It’s alright, innit? Pin-sharp production, smart melodic ideas, an eminently air-drummable rhythm section.
The lyrics might err a shade on the pompous and overblown side, but honestly what do you expect:
“Tear down the sun / Bring down the sun / I’m not everyone.”
“Nothing but a body in mind / I am nothing but a body in my mind.”
Affable beardo Rubin, you’ll recall, previously twiddled knobs for the Pumpkins during the fractious Adore sessions in 1997.
Most infamously he supervised a version of ‘Let Me Give the World to You’ that was angrily ditched by Corgan and remained unreleased until a reissue 2014.
He also produced Corgan’s 2017 solo album, Ogilala.
Corgan has for some months now been impishly hinting at a reunion of the Pumpkins’ classic line-up, which includes drummer Chamberlin and guitarist Iha. He had a right old fallout with bassist D’Arcy Wretzky though, as you may have read, so she’s out.
Back in January, while still in the studio making 'Solara' (not 'Solero', the ice-cold fruity summertime treat) he arguably crafted the most Smashing Pumpkins string of words ever assembled, with an Instagram caption read: ‘His and his acai bowls. @chamberdrums and I are currently working on a song called “Route 666”. Using my early 70’s lommi-esque Laney amp too. #savage’.
Well, look how far we’ve come – Smashing Pumpkins’ Shiny And Oh So Bright reunion tour kicks off next month in Arizona. They mark Corgan, Iha, and Chamberlin’s first shows together since 2000 and coincide (fancy that) with the band’s 30th anniversary.
