Here is the outstanding new single from Tacoma, Washington songwriter Kye Alfred Hillig. ‘Our Remaining Pig’ is steeped in atmosphere, with beautifully arranged instrumental layers, including flourishes of keys over fuzzy bass, building tension throughout. Hillig’s vocal ranges high and low as his voice traces a twisting melodic path that is immediately captivating, while restless rhythms urge the music on. Directed by Michael Rognlie, the black-and-white video reinforces the mood.
The song’s title and theme come from an image that appeared during Hillig’s time in art therapy. He explains: “I drew a man on his family farm wading across a river toward the final living pig, knowing he had to slaughter it. You can tell he doesn’t want to do this, but sometimes the hard thing is exactly what must be done.” It’s an intriguing narrative and image that becomes a metaphor for a relationship breaking, at the point where avoiding the reality of the situation only worsens the damage. “Sometimes couples just need to say the honest and painful thing. No one benefits from avoiding the suffering that comes with growth.” A song about choosing honesty over comfort, Hillig brings a darkly individual perspective to an emotive experience that many will share and associate with.
‘Our Remaining Pig’ is the second single from Hillig’s forthcoming album, “The All-Night Costume Company”, which is due to be released on 4th March 2026. Blending the tones and feel of indie-rock with alt-country, Hillig has developed a distinctive sound that, along with his excellent songcraft and thoughtful lyrics, makes for absorbing music – it’s a style refined across nine solo albums and absolutely worth checking out. Be absorbed.
