Cage The Elephant Release Dying In Reverse Single Ahead of EA Sports FC 27 Soundtrack and 2027 European Tour
The single’s premiere was accompanied by a minimalist visualiser directed by lead singer Matthew Shultz, a creative choice that echoes the song’s introspective tone. Shultz has described “Dying In Reverse” as “essentially about a fresh start or a rebirth of sorts…more in terms of death to ego, renewing the mind and heart.” The lyrics paint a portrait of personal change, resilience, and a shift from self‑centered focus toward love and purpose. Musically, the track expands the band’s signature alternative‑rock foundation with layered guitars and swirling textures that broaden the sonic palette while maintaining the punchy energy fans expect.
The record’s production reflects a deliberate evolution. Cage The Elephant worked with Justin Raisen and the SADPONY duo (Jeremiah Raisen), both of whom have produced for artists such as Charli XCX, SZA, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz has said the group is “reinventing” itself, discovering new facets of its artistry. This collaborative approach follows the July release of “Beaches In Tennessee,” which marked the band’s first single after the 2024 album Neon Pill—a record that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance.
The new single continues Cage The Elephant’s long‑standing relationship with video games. The first collaboration came with the 2009 title Borderlands, which featured “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked.” “Dying In Reverse” will join 120 songs from 36 nations on the FC 27 playlist, a platform that routinely propels contemporary tracks into the mainstream. The track’s placement underscores the band’s appeal to a global audience and its willingness to engage with emerging media formats.
While the single signals a fresh creative direction, it also serves as a launchpad for the band’s first European tour in more than a decade. Titled the “Dying In Reverse” tour, the 2027 run will cover 15 venues across the United Kingdom and continental Europe from February 8 to March 1. Stops include Berlin, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London, marking a significant return for a group that last toured Europe in 2016. The tour follows a successful North American leg of the Live ’25 reunion tour with Oasis in 2025 and extensive touring in support of Neon Pill, the band’s most commercially successful cycle to date.
Cage The Elephant’s catalog has long been defined by its genre‑blending spirit. Albums such as Thank You, Happy Birthday (2011) and Melophobia (2013) fused punk, blues, and psychedelic elements, while Tell Me I’m Pretty (2017) and Social Cues (2020) earned Grammy awards. Matt Shultz’s songwriting often draws from personal experience; “Beaches In Tennessee” was written during treatment in a mental‑health facility following a medication‑induced psychosis diagnosis, and “Dying In Reverse” similarly explores resilience, framed as a broader perspective on renewal rather than a specific event.
A new full‑length album is currently in development, though no title or release date has been announced. The two singles released so far are intended to offer listeners a glimpse of the musical and thematic direction of the forthcoming project. As the band continues to evolve, the combination of a high‑profile soundtrack inclusion, a major European tour, and a forthcoming album positions Cage The Elephant at the forefront of contemporary alternative rock.
The release of “Dying In Reverse” therefore marks more than a new song; it signals a new chapter in the band’s sound, a renewed partnership with a leading video‑game franchise, and the groundwork for a 2027 tour and future album.