By Kourtney Gierke, Contributor

[Sub Pop; 2024]

Rating: 9/10

Last Tuesday, Father John Misty released his third single, “She Cleans Up,” for his new album. His upcoming sixth studio album, Mahashmashana already features singles “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All” and “Screamland.” FJM turns a new refreshing direction with the release of “She Cleans Up” leaning toward a more rock ‘n’ roll sound.

Keeping with his creative and idiosyncratic lyrics, Father John Misty alternates between the fast-paced, descriptive lyrics that lead back to the simple rephrasing of “she cleans up” for the chorus. Sonically, the track is clunky, percussive and extremely catchy. The song features a heavier bass line and repetitive distorted guitar riff, reminiscent of Beck’s late 90s tracks. Where FJM has previously ventured toward calmer indie tracks, “She Cleans Up” proves his already proven musical aptitude.

Read more: Album Review: Merce Lemon – Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild 

Father John Misty has already won the hearts of fans with his unique lyricism and this single is no exception. In previous popular tracks, we see FJM describe loving relationships in songs like “Real Love Baby” and “Chateau Lobby #4.” “She Cleans Up” turns over a new leaf, describing a back-and-forth relationship. In one of the pre-choruses, FJM sings “I know just how this thing ends / Hallelujah, guess we gave the karmic wheel a spin, oh yeah / I know just how this thing ends / The aggriever goes aggressor and we do it all again.” The lyrics hint at the fun and thrill of knowing “how these things end” that fit well with the hyper upbeat instrumental.

The verses are lyric-heavy yet flow incredibly with the song. One of the verses writes “When was the accident?” Well I presume you mean / The condition of the silk kimono that didn’t come cheap / Now did you sit down at the crime scene / Just don’t look between your knees / Man, it’s certainly a look / Did she at least get the movie?” Another alludes to science fiction movie Under The Skin in lyrics “What is the one about the female alien / Scarlett drives the Scottish countryside inside of a white van.”

Father John Misty has outdone himself on this track, like the other tracks released for Mahashmashana. The sound is new and refreshing with the same charming signature lyrics. Mahashmashana is due on Nov. 22, and it will be exciting to see what direction he takes the rest of the album.

Listen here: