"Spitting off the Edge of the World" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

After almost a decade since their last album, Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back. Their new single “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” featuring Perfume Genius was released last month alongside the announcement of their new album, Cool It Down, out September 30th. “Spitting” is a slow burn, power ballad, ebbing between colossal synths and ethereal breaks where Mike Hadreas and Karen O shatter hearts with their vocals. While that’s all musically familiar for a Perfume Genius song, it has a new feel for YYY, and it fits well no doubt thanks to producer Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio. Lyrically, the song explores the anger and weight that rising generations are forced to carry in the face of the climate crisis. When announcing the song, Karen O shared more about its inspiration: “I see the younger generations staring down this threat, and they’re standing on the edge of a precipice, confronting what’s coming with anger and defiance. It’s galvanizing, and there’s hope there.” The music video is haunting and shot like a fever dream. One moment Karen is singing on top of an armored limo, Mad Max-style, and the next she could be reliving a memory, performing a small show in a sweaty basement. It gives nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope for something better. Watch and listen to “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” below.