Let’s Check It Out: A Look At Father John Misty’s Newest Singles Including His Latest, ‘The X-Panded Universe’

By Ailiyah Gilliam on October 11, 2026

Stripping down his live performances to a level of sonic intimacy unseen in over a decade, Father John Misty is slated to embark on a solo tour following his newest single, “The X-panded Universe,” released September 29th.

“The X-panded Universe” is the third single Misty has released this year, preceded by “The Payoff” and “The Old Law” in May and January respectively. Written, composed, and produced by Misty with arrangement and production help from Drew Erickson, the newest track contains a pensive, brooding quality that gradually gives away to total orchestral denouement.

All tension built through the song’s sprawling, wistful first half dissipates amidst a wall of sound that washes over you like a wave by the song’s end. Compared to previous tracks from this year, it is decidedly the most downtempo addition of the bunch to Misty’s discography, yet one that still highlights his characteristic juxtaposition of snarky and deeply vulnerable lyric.

Directly contrasting “The X-panded Universe” in tone, “The Payoff” is a track tinged with a psych-rock, sadistic edge. Still quite decidedly chamber pop in its overall sound, the song is underscored with a driving rock rhythm and embellished with airy, harpsichord-esque pluckings.

“The Old Law” was first heard publicly by fans during Misty’s 2024 Mahashmashana tour; another decidedly psych-rock track, this song was eventually officially released as a single alongside two other songs, “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose” and “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All” at the beginning of this year. The latter two songs depart slightly from the primarily chamber pop/psych rock sound featured in Misty’s other releases this year through their incorporation of lounge and jazz elements, yet they all still are ultimately unified in their intricately layered instrumental compositions.

Misty’s recent return to solo sets can be traced back to his July 2026 Newport Folk Festival surprise appearance, done in lieu of Tedeschi Trucks Band’s performance after lead vocalist and guitarist Susan Tedeschi’s sudden medical emergency. Refreshingly bare-bones, this performance was lauded by various outlets.

Father John Misty’s solo tour is supported by longtime collaborator Damien Jurado and begins on December 9th in Boulder, Colorado, concluding with two consecutive shows in Carmel-by-the-Sea on December 18 and 19th.

Listen on Spotify

Upcoming Tour Dates 2026

Dec. 09 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre
Dec. 10 – Ft. Collins, CO – Washington’s
Dec. 12 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic Center For The Arts
Dec. 13 – Tucson, AZ – La Rosa
Dec. 15 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theater
Dec. 16 – Grass Valley, CA – Center for the Arts
Dec. 18 – Carmel-by-the-sea, CA – Sunset Cultural Center
Dec. 19 – Carmel-by-the-sea, CA – Sunset Cultural Center