PIXEL GRIP ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM PERCEPTICIDE: THE DEATH OF REALITY OUT JUNE 12
SHARES NEW SINGLE AND FOCUS TRACK “REASON TO STAY”
Underground electronic trio Pixel Grip announces their eagerly awaited independent third album, Percepticide: The Death of Reality, set for release on June 12th. Alongside the announcement, Pixel Grip shares a gripping new single and visualizer, “Reason to Stay”. Serving as the fourth release and focus track from the album, it’s a raw, abrasive offering, pulsing with distortion and resilience, anchored by a pounding bassline where vocalist Rita Lukea leans fully into the chaos–confronting betrayal head-on.
Speaking on “Reason to Stay”, Rita Lukea shares, “The focus track of the album embodies aggression. With a pounding, abrasive bassline and a chorus that’s shouted at you: “What’s the point of giving less than 100%? You pushed me to the limit what the fuck you expect?” Rita introduces the idea that resilience can be ugly and wrathful, and when faced with the option to leave, she chooses to stay – “Just to hear you scream”.
Coinciding with the news, Pixel Grip has announced they will embark on their North American headline tour this Fall, which will kick off in St. Louis on September 23rd. The 26-date Percepticide tour will see Pixel Grip trek across the US and Canada before it wraps with a hometown show at Metro in Chicago on November 14th (full dates below). Artist pre-sale begins on Wednesday, venue pre-sale begins on Thursday, and general ticket sales begin this Friday, May 9th at 12PM local time. For more information and ticket purchasing visit https://pixelgripmusic.com/tourdates.
“Reason to Stay” follows the previously released pulse-pounding singles, “Split”, “Stamina” and “Bet You Do”. Continuing to push boundaries, Pixel Grip—comprised of Rita Lukea (vocals), Jonathon Freund (synth), and Tyler Ommen (drums) is a genre-defying force. Blending darkwave, electronic, and avant-pop influences, the trio consistently expands their sound while maintaining their signature raw energy and star power.
Written over a three-year hiatus between Los Angeles and Chicago, Percepticide: The Death of Reality is the sound of fragmentation, catharsis, empowerment, and rebirth. It’s a raw exploration of personal and collective struggles. Born from a period where each member confronted their own demons of betrayal, addiction, neglect, and emotional fracture—the album captures a band navigating the collapse and reconstruction of perception, identity, connection, and reality(ies), resulting in a sonic palette that reflects destruction and rebirth.
Pixel Grip shares, “The album title itself is a portmanteau of “percipere” (to perceive) and “-cide” (to kill), signifying “the killing of perception.” Percepticide: The Death of Reality is more than just an album—it’s a visceral experience, a statement, and a call to redefine how we see the world.”
Rita adds, “‘Percepticide’ is a cognitive distortion and a symptom of trauma – beliefs you hold to be true are shattered – as you question everyone and everything around you. My dream is that expressing my rage can help someone else feel empowered and at the very least, less alone. You’re never stuck, and you’re never alone.”
Known for their seductive, avant-garde aesthetic and electrifying live performances, Pixel Grip has cultivated a cult following through relentless touring and an unapologetic exploration of themes rooted in desire, power, and liberation, amassing over 7M streams to date. In 2024, they toured as direct support for HEALTH and DEHD, followed by a sold-out North American headline run, including a standout performance at Chicago’s RIOT Fest. Their underground anthems “ALPHAPUSSY” and “Demon Chaser” have caught the eye of high fashion houses and have been featured on fashion runways for VERSACE and Alexandre Vauthier.
Now, with their third album and headline tour on the horizon, Percepticide: The Death of Reality marks a bold new chapter in Pixel Grip’s evolution—furthering their sonic and artistic vision into thrilling, uncharted territory.
Tour Dates
9/23 – St. Louis, MO @ OFF Broadway
9/25 – Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.
9/26 – Austin, TX @ Levitation Fest
9/27 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
9/29 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
9/30 – Durham, NC @ Motorco
10/1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club
10/3 – Washington, DC @ DC9
10/4 – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
10/5 – Boston, MA @ Middle East
10/7 – Montreal, QC @ Foufones
10/8 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
10/9 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
10/22 – Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge
10/24 – Denver, CO @ Ophelia’s
10/25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room
10/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
10/28 – Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive
10/29 – San Diego, CA @ Quartyard
10/31 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
11/1 – San Francisco, CA @ Substance Fest
11/4 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
11/5 – Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
11/6 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/14 Chicago, IL @ Metro
Purchase Tickets HERE