Ty Segall is back with a new album, Chrome, and it's a metallic masterpiece that's sure to delight his fans. The album, set for release on August 28th via Drag City, marks Segall's 18th studio project and follows 2025's Possession. What makes Chrome particularly fascinating is how it pays homage to Segall's earlier works, like Slaughterhouse and Twins, while taking a more metallic sonic direction. In my opinion, this is a bold move that showcases Segall's artistic growth and willingness to experiment. Personally, I think it's a refreshing change of pace from his previous releases, and I'm eager to see how it will be received by his fans and critics alike.
The album was recorded with Cooper Crain at Sonic Ranch studios in Texas, and the result is a raw, fuzz-laden sound that is both gritty and soaring. The guitars are at gritty lows beneath Segall's pristine vocals, which are a little more pristine than the band's rock-heavy approach. What many people don't realize is that this is a deliberate choice on Segall's part, as he wanted to create a sound that was both familiar and new. From my perspective, this is a testament to Segall's skill as a musician and his ability to blend different genres and styles.
The first single off of Chrome, "Black Paint," is a perfect example of the album's raw, fuzz-laden sound. The guitars are at gritty lows beneath Segall's soaring vocals, which are a little more pristine than the band's rock-heavy approach. It's got traces of Black Sabbath with a healthy dose of the slacker rock that Segall cut his teeth making. What this really suggests is that Segall is not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of his music, which is a refreshing change of pace in today's music industry.
One thing that immediately stands out is the music video for "Black Paint," which depicts Segall performing the song with his newly regrouped bandmates, Ben Boye, Evan Burrows, Mikal Cronin, and Emmett Kelly. The video is a fun and energetic showcase of the band's chemistry and Segall's charismatic stage presence. It's a detail that I find especially interesting because it gives fans a glimpse into the creative process behind the album and the band's dynamic.
Segall will support Chrome with a fall tour of Europe and the UK, and so far, his only US shows in 2026 are a solo acoustic set in Mariposa, California on August 2nd and a show at the KEXP Summer BBQ in Seattle on August 22nd. I think this is a smart move on Segall's part, as it will allow him to connect with fans in a more intimate setting and showcase the album's raw, fuzz-laden sound in a more intimate setting. It's a chance for fans to experience the album in a whole new way and to see Segall's artistic vision come to life.
In conclusion, Chrome is a bold and refreshing album that showcases Ty Segall's artistic growth and willingness to experiment. It's a metallic masterpiece that is sure to delight his fans and critics alike, and I'm eager to see what Segall has in store for us next. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a musician who is not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of his music, which is a refreshing change of pace in today's music industry.
