Everything Everything fight modern life on new album ‘Poison Pop’: “It’s about this drink that kills you, but you still want it”

British art-rock band Everything Everything have unveiled their eighth studio album, ‘Poison Pop,’ marking a deliberate return to their high-energy, punk-inspired sound. This new release follows their 2024 album ‘Mountainhead,’ which was characterized by more abstract themes and synth experimentation, signaling a shift back to the band's earlier, more aggressive roots.

The impetus for ‘Poison Pop’ emerged as the group commemorated the tenth anniversary of their 2014 album ‘Get To Heaven,’ an intense record that eerily anticipated the rise of the alt-right and political unrest. Revisiting this material on tour rekindled the band’s desire to channel a similar urgency and intensity, leading to a collection of songs designed to be a visceral response to today’s increasingly fractured world.

Frontman Jonathan Higgs shared with nme.com that the album was conceived as a reaction against the pervasive decline and “enshittification” of contemporary culture—particularly the addictive, often toxic grip of social media and online outrage. The title track metaphorically addresses a self-destructive allure, likened to consuming a lethal drink despite its dangers, encapsulating the album’s exploration of societal dependency on harmful stimuli.

‘Poison Pop’ confronts the chaotic nature of modern life head-on, eschewing subtlety for immediacy. Higgs emphasized a shift from the metaphor-heavy approach of ‘Mountainhead’ to a more direct, confrontational style, intending the record to be an unavoidable statement about present-day anxieties and the overwhelming barrage of conflicting messages that define the current cultural landscape.

The band’s songwriting process for this album was notably meticulous, involving the creation and subsequent rejection of a large volume of material. Ultimately, the final tracklist was selected collaboratively within the group, reflecting a democratic approach to capturing the strongest, most impactful songs.

A significant thematic concern throughout ‘Poison Pop’ is the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence in the arts and society at large. Higgs acknowledged early experimentation with AI, noting that their 2017 album cover was among the first to utilize AI-generated imagery. While recognizing AI’s utility as a creative tool, he expressed skepticism about its capacity to replicate genuinely human artistry, suggesting that the human element in music will become increasingly valuable amid an abundance of AI-generated content.

This perspective extends into the band’s emphasis on live performance, with the album crafted to translate effectively to the stage. Higgs highlighted a growing focus on the live experience as an irreplaceable form of connection and authenticity, something AI cannot replicate. The band’s efforts to produce music playable by the four members in a live setting underscore their commitment to maintaining the integrity and energy of their performances.

While drawing thematic parallels with contemporary works by other artists addressing technology and societal pressures, Everything Everything deliberately avoided listening to current peers during the writing process to prevent creative influence. This isolation allowed them to focus inward and develop a distinct voice that reflects their own perspective on the challenges posed by social media addiction, cultural polarization, and technological change.

Reflecting on the legacy of ‘Get To Heaven,’ the band noted the prescience of its themes in light of political and social developments over the past decade. The album’s warnings about divisiveness and extremism have resonated more strongly with audiences in recent years, underscoring the ongoing relevance of their earlier work.

Looking ahead, the band remains cautious about engaging in retrospective celebrations of past albums, including the upcoming tenth anniversary of 2014’s ‘A Fever Dream.’ They suggest a preference for forward momentum rather than dwelling on past achievements, although they have not ruled out commemorative projects entirely.

Ultimately, Everything Everything hope ‘Poison Pop’ offers listeners a space for connection amid an era marked by uncertainty and fragmentation. By confronting contemporary issues with intensity and honesty, the album aims to foster a sense of shared experience and engagement in a world where authentic connections are increasingly scarce.