New Orleans trio Pope are inching ever closer to BFM, their first full-length in over eight years, and the band just dropped a generous double single preview to tide us over until the record arrives April 30, 2026 via Houston’s Rite Field Records. “Sick Minute” and “John Thomas” land on opposite ends of Pope’s emotional spectrum, and together they make a compelling case that the eight-year wait has been worth it.

“Sick Minute” is the shinier of the two, buoyed by a guest vocal turn from Julia Steiner of Chicago’s Ratboys. It’s an unabashed pep talk dressed up in melodic riffs and lo-fi warmth. “‘Sick Minute’ is about trying your hardest, just because it’s always good to give it your best shot,” says vocalist Matt Seferian. “That there’s something super special about giving it all you got. That you’re not replaceable and that no one can be you, so don’t let the haters get to you.” Coming from a band that has spent most of the past decade working quietly in the background, it plays less like a platitude and more like a mission statement.

“John Thomas” goes the other direction entirely. Built around acoustic guitar, drum machines, and just a touch of electric, it’s the kind of late-night bedroom track that invites you to sink into it. Guitarist Alex Skalany credits the Glands’ “Possibilities” as the spark. “Matt and I love a lot of lo-fi music, and more low-key tender moments on albums. I sent Matt that song and said I wish we had a song like this on the record. Wrote this in an attempt to create a moment like that on this record, and it turned out to be a personal favorite.” Lyrically, it digs into fatigue, desperation, and the quiet work of living with yourself and your monsters – themes that weave through BFM as a whole.

The double single joins previously released tracks “Make You Feel” and “Newboi,” which have already shown off the range Pope are working with on BFM: grunge-leaning riffs, power-pop sparkle, and a willingness to sit in the harder feelings without flinching. The forthcoming record, which also features keys from Tyler Scurlock of Sleigh Bells, traces the band’s path from their Houston origins to the New Orleans community that shaped them. Their first album since 2017’s True Talent Champion, BFM sounds like a band that finally has nothing left to prove and everything left to say.

Stream Pope on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/search/Pope%20BFM

Pre-order BFM now ahead of its April 30, 2026 release via Rite Field Records, and follow @popetheband on Instagram for tour announcements coming soon.