Powerman 5000 Celebrate ’70s and ’80s New Wave With New Song “Black Lipstick”

Nobody would have been all that surprised if Powerman 5000 had channeled New Wave for their 2017 album, given that that release was called — yup! — New Wave. But for some reason, they seem to have waited for their forthcoming 2020 record, The New Rot, to celebrate their inner Valley Girl soundtrack. Go figure. Maybe that means their next album will include music that seems appropriate for a record titled The New Rot — death metal, perhaps?

Regardless of why Powerman 5000 opted to adjust their sound now, I’m glad they did: I can honestly say that “Black Lipstick,” The New Rot‘s lead single, is the best song the band has ever produced. Granted, that’s a low bar. But “Black Lipstick” isn’t just not-annoying — it’s actually good! Maybe the band should have shifted sonic gears ages ago?

Check out “Black Lipstick” via the below video, which was directed by the band’s frontman, Spider One (a.k.a. Rob Zombie’s younger brother). It’s basically a gothified variation on the classic Robert Palmer clips for “Addicted to Love” and “Simply Irresistible,” only Spider One had the good sense to leave himself out of it. As a bonus, it features an appearance by Mr. Show‘s John Ennis.

The New Rot, which also includes a cover of “We Got the Beat” by The Go-Go’s, comes out August 28 on Cleopatra Records. Pre-order it here.