Grammy-winning alternative collective Cage the Elephant drops a brief, electrifying single, “House of Glass,” from their forthcoming fifth LP, Social Cues.

“Climb into my corner, my self-inflicted coma / Stand up, lay down, repeat in the same order…” Wow, okay. Rock and roll has waned in popularity to an extent in the mainstream. At the 59^th Annual Grammy Awards, alternative rock band Cage the Elephant were definitely a bright spot in the Recording Academy’s eyes, winning the Grammy for Best Rock Album (Tell Me I’m Pretty) among a relatively weak field.  Believe it or not, it has been nearly four years since the band has release an album, something that’s about to change with the release of their fifth studio, Social Cues (April 19, 2019).  “House of Glass” marks the second advance single from the 13-track project.

Cage the Elephant maintains brevity on “House of Glass.”  The single sits about just over two-and-a-half minutes in duration.  Even so, duration “ain’t nothin’ but a number” (see what we did there?).  The alternative rock collective packs a mean, hella energetic punch on this distinct, utterly wild record (in the best way possible).  From the jump, “House of Glass” is driving, characterized by its rhythm.  Furthermore, frontman Matt Shultz shows off mad personality, as showcased on the aforementioned lyrics, superbly selling the tongue-n-cheek, ambitious nature of the record.  The pre-chorus and chorus are an absolute blast:

“(The house is glass) The house is glass

(The house is glass) The house is glass

It’s an illusion, this admiration

Of mutilation, my isolation…”

The production is awesome, embracing an old-school, garage-rock styled sensibility, while still sounding quite fresh.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Matt Shultz and company shine on “House of Glass.” It’s electrifying despite its brevity, filled with energy, intensity, and ample personality.  It’s hard to find innovative spirit in much of contemporary music, and while Cage the Elephant don’t ‘reinvent the wheel,’ they keep things fresh on “House of Glass.”

Cage the Elephant • Social Cues • RCA • Release: 4.19.19

Photo Credit: RCA