Mystery Jets Return with Raucous Single ‘Black Sage’: “There is Beauty to Be Found in the Broken”

After six years away, Mystery Jets roar back with ‘Black Sage’—a psychedelic rock anthem embracing the beauty in brokenness.

A Triumphant Return to the Spotlight

If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the return of the Twickenham band Mystery Jets, your patience has finally paid off. After a six-year hiatus from releasing new singles, they’ve dropped ‘Black Sage,’ a raw, pulsating track that bursts with psych-rock energy. Their last studio album, A Billion Heartbeats, came out in 2020, marking their seventh LP. But now, Mystery Jets are stepping boldly into a fresh chapter, and ‘Black Sage’ is the fiery opening salvo.

This new single arrives courtesy of Fiction Records and is produced by Leo Abrahams, a name synonymous with sonic innovation, having collaborated with luminaries like Brian Eno and Frightened Rabbit. From the very first notes, the song hits you with a feedback-drenched guitar buzz that feels like a wild ride through a dense, hypnotic forest of sound. Blaine Harrison’s vocals cut through, delivering these poignant lines:

“The remedy is in the poison / The blessing is in the curse / Cuz beauty lies in the broken / And the cracks allow the light through us.”

This isn’t just a song; it’s a thunderous meditation on pain, healing, and the hidden lights shining through our flaws.

Listen and Feel the Vibe

Check out ‘Black Sage’ yourself and even catch a breathtaking live performance filmed at James Turrell's Skyspace in Cornwall—a venue as ethereal and spacious as the song’s mood itself.

Listening to this song live feels like stepping into a dreamscape where every note echoes with emotional depth and sonic bravado. It’s a thrilling reminder of why Mystery Jets have always commanded such devoted fans.

The Meaning Behind ‘Black Sage’

Blaine Harrison, the band’s frontman, delves into the symbolism of the song:

“For centuries, black sage has been used by indigenous communities in smudging ceremonies, where the smoke is believed to clear away negative energies or unwanted spirits. But what if we are vessels for those energies, and the ghosts from our pasts have been living inside us all along?”

This reflection sets the tone for the track’s deep exploration of internal struggles and the redemptive power of facing them. Blaine goes on to explain the creative process behind the song:

“The message of the song is that healing is inseparable from suffering, but there is beauty to be found in the broken. Some songs arrive all at once, but ‘Black Sage’ came to life by stitching together a patchwork of extended jam sessions, where we’d loop ideas around and improvise until we reached a kind of hypnotic flow state, allowing the song to reveal to us what it wanted to become. We’ve not written that way since the very earliest days of the band, so we knew it had to be the first track to share from this new chapter.”

This approach feels like a full-circle moment, reconnecting with the band’s origins while pushing into new sonic territory.

More Than Just a Comeback: The Band’s Recent Years

Even during their quieter moments, Mystery Jets weren’t exactly idle. In 2022, bassist Jack Flanagan embarked on a solo journey, releasing an album titled Rides The Sky. The lead psychedelic single ‘Skyhorse X Skyhorse’ hinted at the experimental directions band members were exploring individually.

Meanwhile, A Billion Heartbeats (2020) was a bold LP packed with protest songs and heartfelt tributes, including nods to the NHS and the world’s turbulent times. This album was warmly received and marked a significant moment in Mystery Jets’ catalog, blending anthemic indie rock with meaningful commentary.

That same year, they surprised fans with Home Protests, a covers album recorded during lockdown. The band explained their motivation:

“As the world ground to a halt, with global lockdowns and illnesses, we continued to protest from our homes: recording lo-fi live covers of nine timeless tracks spanning the last half-century. Songs tackling perennial issues from discrimination and homelessness to war, consumer capitalism and environmental destruction.”

This project showcased not only their musical versatility but also their commitment to social awareness, even when the world was at a standstill.

Upcoming Live Dates and What’s Next

Fans eager to see Mystery Jets live again don’t have to wait much longer. The band is scheduled to perform at The Maccabees’ show at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey on July 31. Sharing the stage with Maximo Park and Everything Everything promises a night packed with indie rock brilliance.

As Mystery Jets burst back onto the scene with ‘Black Sage’, there’s a palpable sense that this is just the beginning of another exciting era for the band. Their ability to weave hypnotic jams with meaningful lyrics about brokenness and healing feels more relevant than ever.

Wrapping It Up: The Beauty of Brokenness

Mystery Jets’ ‘Black Sage’ is a raucous, vibrant return that reminds us all that beauty often lives in imperfection. Their willingness to embrace the shadows while letting the light shine through cracks is a testament to their growth and resilience as a band.

Are you ready to dive into this new chapter and experience the raw energy and deep meaning behind ‘Black Sage’?

FAQ

• What is the significance of the title ‘Black Sage’?
  Black sage refers to a plant used in indigenous smudging ceremonies to clear negative energy. The song uses this as a metaphor for internal healing and confronting past ghosts.
• Who produced the single ‘Black Sage’?
  The track was produced by Leo Abrahams, known for his work with Brian Eno and Frightened Rabbit.
• When was Mystery Jets’ last album before this single?
  Their last studio album was A Billion Heartbeats, released in 2020.
• Did any band members pursue solo projects recently?
  Yes, bassist Jack Flanagan released a solo album called Rides The Sky in 2022.
• Where can I watch ‘Black Sage’ performed live?
  A live version was filmed at the James Turrell Skyspace in Cornwall and is available online.

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