Watch the puppet-filled “I Got a Pill” video by Elephant Stone

The emotional landscape of Elephant Stone”>Elephant Stone is taking center stage as frontman Rishi Dir prepares to release their tenth album, ASHA”>ASHA, on August 28th via Elephants on Parade. More than just a collection of songs, the album is a profound reflection on navigating the complex terrain of grief, hope, and finding illumination in those pretty dark moments.

The creative energy behind ASHA”>ASHA is anchored by Rishi Dir’s deeply personal tribute, with the entire project titled for his mother who passed away earlier this year. This personal weight gives the music an undeniable texture, weaving vulnerability with resilience into a cohesive whole.

The album itself showcases masterful production and collaboration. It was produced and mixed by frontman Rishi Dir, while the track “Spirit, Take Me Away” features the vocal talents of Stars’ Amy Millan, adding another layer of ethereal depth to the soundscape.

At the heart of the new release is the single “I Got a Pill,” a bouncy track that delivers a sharp, witty critique of modern societal pressures. Rishi uses this song to dissect the allure of demagogues and the populist playbook—those leaders who feed off fear and offer simplistic fixes. The lyrics deliver a punchy observation: ASHA”>“The pill. Take it and your problems go away. Except it doesn’t work like that. It’s control dressed up as relief.”

Visually, the single perfectly embodies this theme. The accompanying video for “I Got a Pill,” directed by Adam Traynor, is a surreal and delightfully bizarre spectacle. Director Traynor aimed to capture the sweetness of the voice by dressing it in a Tony the Tiger-type mascot, launching viewers into a sugary wonderland filled with cardboard Oz, artificial colors, and an awe-inducing game-world—a true journey into a sugary Wonderland.

As fans dive deeper into the rich tapestry of ASHA”>ASHA, they can explore tracks like “Fascists Killed Yer Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “Broken Arrow,” and the hauntingly beautiful “Sleepwalking In Prague.” The album offers both the tender ache of remembrance and a spirited push toward brighter horizons.

Elephant Stone”>Elephant Stone will bring this poignant and playful sound live for audiences across North America in September. The tour schedule promises exciting dates, including an appearance at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 18th.

Catch the show and experience the full scope of ASHA”>ASHA, with live performances scheduled from Burlington, VT, through Toronto, ON, and extending into Europe. Don’t miss the chance to witness the hope, the chaos, and the light embodied in Elephant Stone’s latest work.

The remaining tour dates include:

• Sept 15 Burlington, VT @ Foam Brewers
• Sept 16 Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
• Sept 17 Troy, NY @ No Fun
• Sept 18 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
• Sept 19 Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
• Sept 20 State College, PA @ Manny’s
• Sept 22 Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village
• Sept 23 Detroit, MI @ Outer Limits
• Sept 24 Toronto, ON @ Second Summer Festival
• Oct 1 Montreal, QC @ Bar le Ritz
• Nov 2 Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
• Nov 4 Paris, FR @ Le Chinois
• Nov 16 London, UK @ MOTH Club