Single Review: Take a Bite of Post Animal's "Pie in the Sky"

Chicago-born rock band Post Animal just released "Pie in the Sky," the second single off their new album IRON. This album marks the joyous return of former bandmate Joe Keery, who originally departed to pursue acting projects and solo music under the moniker Djo. This era follows nearly a decade after all six original members worked together on music for Post Animal. The warm and celebratory sound of "Pie in the Sky" is a testament to their ironclad bond, with the group effortlessly falling back into that synergistic creative space.

The first sparkling notes of "Pie in the Sky" feel like the start of a beloved childhood television show or the mesmerizing sound of opening a long-lost music box. Smooth harmonies and a distorted country-rock guitar riff propel the listener through the lively verses that double as a vampire's love letter to the moon. Lyrics like "Day sleeper, sleeping alone" and "Just wake me when she's in the sky / So shine, shine on me" declare their affection for their nocturnal companion. References to the moon as "big cheddar" and "pearl of the sky" animate a radiant night sky. One could picture that beloved igneous rock appearing like the 'Sun Baby' in the opening credits of the Teletubbies.

" 'Pie in the Sky' is really a song about coming together and letting our collective freak flag fly. It's a bunch of hooligans gathering in a barn yard singing camp fire songs," shared the band in a press release.

The song's mischievous nature is made clear through muppet-esque falsetto and low-range vocals in the bridge. Lyrics like "What's the matter with the bat in the cave? / Who's your buddy in the dark of the shade?" paint this vampire as a good-natured pal.

The final verse takes a playful, darker turn with lyrics like "I'm a creeper with a heart made of gold" and "Make me wanna sell my soul for just a bit of your shine," declaring an undying adoration and allegiance to their muse, the moon.

The accompanying video follows a knight, who we surmise is Keery, and the band wandering around Chicago's "Cloud Gate" (lovingly known as "The Bean"), which is one of the city's staple landmarks. Seeing the band together in the place where they first sprouted is a visual representation of that ironclad bond at the center of the album. Post Animal is set to release IRON on July 25. Presave the album here.

Photo Credit: Sam Dole / Design Credit: Camilo Medina

Post Animal is currently on the road with Djo and will return for a headline tour this November, stopping at Boston's The Sinclair on November 4. Buy tickets here.

TOUR DATES

November 1 - Detroit, MI - El Club

November 2 - Toronto, ON - The Garrison - SOLD OUT

November 4 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair

November 5- Hamden, CT - Space Ballroom

November 7 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg

November 8 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s

November 10 - Washington, DC - DC9 Nightclub

November 11 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle Back Room

November 13 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl

November 14 - Nashville, TN - Third Man Records (Blue Room)

November 15 - Saint Louis, MO - Off Broadway Nightclub

November 17 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon

November 18 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall

December 3 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck

December 5 - Dallas, TX - Dada

December 6 - Austin, TX - The Parish

December 9 - Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom

December 10 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent

December 12 - Portland, OR - Polaris Hall

December 13 - Seattle, WA - Neumos (Barboza)

December 15 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court

December 17 - Denver, Co - Bluebird Theater