Energy Whores return with a sharp-edged statement in the form of their latest single, Pretty Sparkly Things. Known for their unapologetic political stance and fearless approach to songwriting, the New York–based band once again delivers a track that balances satirical wit with biting social commentary. Set against a backdrop of shimmering electronic textures and angular beats, the song confronts the hollowness of luxury culture and the societal obsession with unattainable status symbols. The result is a release that merges danceable sonics with a devastating lyrical punch, making it both infectious and thought-provoking.
At first listen, Pretty Sparkly Things presents itself as a glistening club track. Driven by pulsing synths, disco-inspired grooves, and hypnotic vocal delivery, it carries the atmosphere of a track designed to ignite a dance floor. The production leans into electronic pop and EDM influences, building layers of vibrant textures that sparkle with surface allure. But beneath that glittering exterior lies a darker core. The rhythm, while inviting and infectious, carries a mechanical precision that mirrors the relentless grind of consumer culture—a rhythm that never relents, much like the machine of capitalism the band critiques.
Lyrically, the track spares no one. Energy Whores lace the song with sharp lines that skewer influencers, celebrity worship, and the obsession with wealth. References to “influencers with their photo filters” and “spoiled girls clutching their pearls” highlight the absurdity of status obsession, while more explicit moments strip the glamour from backstage excess and billionaire indulgence. The juxtaposition of glossy production with stark, unfiltered words creates a striking contrast: listeners find themselves moving to the beat even as the lyrics cut through with uncomfortable truths.
Carrie Schoenfeld, the voice and vision behind Energy Whores, has described the track as satire with deadly seriousness. That duality permeates every aspect of Pretty Sparkly Things. The glittering synth lines and dance-ready rhythms pull listeners into a world of shine and excess, only for the lyrics to expose the exploitation lurking beneath the surface. This interplay between sound and meaning ensures the track resonates on multiple levels—it’s a song to dance to, but also a song that forces reflection.
Musically, the single situates itself within the lineage of avant-electro provocateurs. It blends the propulsive energy of disco and EDM with a raw edge more reminiscent of punk and new wave. Critics have described Energy Whores’ sound as “Patti Smith meets Talking Heads, wired through EDM and rage,” and this single certainly embodies that description. The synth work is intricate yet biting, the beats angular and unrelenting, and the overall production polished without sacrificing intensity.
Pretty Sparkly Things will appear on the band’s forthcoming album, Arsenal of Democracy, scheduled for release in Fall 2025. If this track is any indication, the album promises to be a politically charged and sonically adventurous body of work that challenges listeners while keeping them hooked to the rhythm.
With this release, Energy Whores affirm their unique place in today’s musical landscape. They prove that pop and electronic music can be more than escapism—they can be vehicles for satire, dissent, and social critique. Pretty Sparkly Things is both a dazzling club-ready anthem and a scathing commentary on the cost of luxury obsession. It’s a high-quality release we are thrilled to feature, showcasing Energy Whores at their most incisive and electrifying.