The Mountain Goats Salute Early-90s Seattle Rock on New Song "Candlebox"

The Mountain Goats released a new song called "Candlebox" on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, taking its title directly from the Seattle rock band of the same name. Candlebox's 1993 self-titled debut came out on Madonna's label Maverick and went on to be certified quadruple platinum, making it one of the few non-orthodox grunge-adjacent bands to break through commercially during the grunge boom. Stereogum was first to report the news.

Candlebox: a symbol of an era

Candlebox wasn't a typical grunge band, but good timing put them at the crest of the Seattle wave, earning heavy radio play in the early '90s — along with accusations of riding someone else's coattails. Later albums undersold expectations, the band broke up for a stretch, and eventually reformed; they're still active today.

By naming the new track after them, The Mountain Goats are conjuring that specific mix of excitement, confusion, and resentment that defined the era. No further details — album, release plans — have been announced yet.