Arcade Fire Returns With ‘Pink Elephant’ and Euphoric Single “Year of the Snake”

It has been years of silence, but Arcade Fire is back with their latest album, Pink Elephant and the lead-off single, “Year of the Snake“. The announcement was made through their fan club app, Circle of Trust, following cryptic social media activity hinting at new material.

The album title refers to the psychological conundrum that attempting to quiet the mind only makes it more strong—something evidenced in tracks like “Circle of Trust” and “She Cries Diamond Rain.” The title single “Year of the Snake” is a festive but contemplative track, thematically coherently following the renewal motif of the Lunar Year of the Snake.

The accompanying music video features Win Butler and Régine Chassagne touring across America, visiting New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and including a cameo by Willie Nelson. Chassagne plays bass for the first time, and Butler drums for the first time.

One of Arcade Fire‘s largest releases since controversies began arising in 2022 after accusations against Butler, Pink Elephant was recorded at Good News Recording Studio in New Orleans. While controversies follow them, the band hopes this album to be a cathartic experience for all.