Album Review: Circa Waves – Death & Love, Pt.1


Death & Love, Pt.1



Circa Waves return with Death & Love, Pt. 1, an album that feels like a natural progression of their sound, bigger, bolder, and more emotionally charged than ever. This time around, the band leans heavily into themes of mortality, resilience, and the passage of time, crafting a record that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

From the opening track, ‘American Dream‘, it’s clear Circa Waves aren’t pulling any punches. The song bursts with urgency, blending post-punk energy with anthemic indie rock, setting the stage for an album that oscillates between euphoric highs and introspective lows. ‘Like You Did Before‘ keeps the momentum going, with a punchy rhythm section and soaring chorus that feels destined for live singalongs.

But Death & Love, Pt. 1 isn’t all about high-energy moments. Tracks like ‘Hold It Steady‘ and ‘We Made It‘ dive into more reflective territory, with frontman Kieran Shudall’s lyrics carrying a weight that lingers long after the songs end. There’s a clear sense of reckoning with the past, yet an underlying hopefulness that keeps the album from feeling too heavy.

Closing track ‘Bad Guys Always Win‘ wraps things up on a bittersweet note, its infectious melody contrasting against a darker lyrical theme. It’s a fitting end to an album that captures the complexity of growing older, facing fears, and embracing life’s uncertainties.

With Death & Love, Pt. 1, Circa Waves deliver one of their most mature and compelling records to date. It’s a reminder of their ability to evolve while staying true to the infectious energy that made them stand out in the first place.


 

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