Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester.
Silversun Pickups
Los Angeles, US
2000–present
- Dangerbird
- New Machine Recordings
- MapleMusic
- Brian Aubert
- Christopher Guanlao
- Joe Lester
- Nikki Monninger
- Jack Kennedy
- Elvira Gonzalez
The band released their debut EP, Pikul, in July 2005, and their debut album, Carnavas, on July 26, 2006. Their second album, Swoon, was released on April 14, 2009. Neck of the Woods, the band's third album, came out on May 8, 2012. They issued their fourth album, Better Nature, on September 25, 2015. Their fifth album, Widow's Weeds, came out on June 7, 2019. Their sixth and most recent album, Physical Thrills, was released on August 19, 2022.
Musical style[edit]
Silversun Pickups' first two albums, Carnavas and Swoon, feature a shoegaze sound that employs multiple overdubs of heavy, distorted guitars; they are frequently compared to the styles of the Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine.[41] 2012's Neck of the Woods and 2015's Better Nature largely lack their shoegaze influences, instead incorporating strong electronic elements.[42][43]
Equipment[edit]
Aubert predominantly uses a 1994 Epiphone Sheraton II (Korean reissue), 1965 Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird, (unknown year) Gibson Reverse Firebird, Gibson SG Custom, and a Gibson Midtown Custom; Ernie Ball strings; Yellow Dunlop picks; (1990s) Fender Hot Rod DeVille amplifiers; Fractal Axe-FX II XL+.[44]
Monninger plays Gibson Thunderbirds and is seen with a Fender Precision Bass in the video for "Well Thought Out Twinkles".
Guanlao mainly played Ludwig Vistalites until around the Swoon era, when he switched to an acrylic C&C kit. He also uses Istanbul cymbals.[45]
