LCD Soundsystem has released a new single, “Tonite,” off their upcoming album American Dream, along with its accompanying music video. And, as the band has always done, it adds a bit of glitz and glam to life’s grit and grime.
The video has the aesthetic of a late ’70s or early ’80s disco music video that fits the vibe of the song well. Throughout the almost six minute-long video, Murphy and his band are standing and/or sitting on a rotating circular stage, with Murphy singing into a tape machine. Does it get anymore LCD than that?
The song, which was unveiled during LCD’s five-night residency at Brooklyn Steel back in June, is now being hailed as a success. Murphy is as self-aware now as he was 12 years ago on “Losing My Edge.” “Everybody’s singing the same song,” the song opens. “It goes ‘tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight’ / I never realized these artists thought so much about dying.” Later, he deadpans that he sounds like his mom.
The song is reminiscent of LCD’s more danceable tracks, with its groovy bass line and heavy synthesizers. The vocals are vocoder infused and talk-sung, which somehow works. The lyrical content is essentially James Murphy rambling about big ideas: growing older, the psychology of the music industry, and getting caught up in your own thoughts. It’s a lot to digest, but it is impactful.
“Tonite” is the third single that LCD Soundsystem has released for American Dream. The previous two—the Bowie-sounding anthem “Call the Police” and the slower, moodier title track—were released in early May. It’s likely that “Tonite” mimics the album’s tone better than “American Dream” or “Call the Police” did. In an interview with Tom Scharpling, Murphy called the record “heavier,” with “darker songs,” and “Tonite” fits that description. American Dream—LCD Soundsystem’s fourth album and first in five years—will be released on Sept. 1.
Check out the music video for “tonite” below.
Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna
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