ALBUM REVIEW: Can’t Stay Forever – Eat Your Heart Out
After three long years of waiting, writing, and recording, EAT YOUR HEART OUT are finally back with their second album, Can’t Stay Forever. A band that formed over a decade ago, their first official release Distance Between Us caught the attention of many in the music scene, including that of a little-known band of MOVEMENTS. What followed next was a whirlwind of signing to Fearless Records, touring in and outside of their homeland of Australia, and releasing their debut album Florescence.
2020 rolled around with plans to release another full-length but we all know where this story goes. Being home in lockdown was a horrible time for everyone but EAT YOUR HEART OUT decided to make the best out of an awful situation. They took the extra time to write, record and produce their album until it became perfectly polished and ready for the world to hear.
With EAT YOUR HEART OUT you know you’re guaranteed three things: hypnotic vocals, stunning instrumentals and a beautiful yet brutal honesty that will cling to your soul. Opening track Forget Me is all those things; you find yourself drawn in and entranced by frontwoman Caitlin Henry’s vocals, particularly during points where she repeats “forget me” and “I’m right here” – like a ghost that she paints herself as when it comes to someone who she used to have in her life.
Following this is lead single Down that is a complete change from what we’ve just heard. It’s like being at a gig; you’ve had the opening song, you’ve had your warm-up, now it’s time to bounce. A track filled to the brim with guitar riffs and strong vocals, there’s not a lot more that you can ask for.
The album itself feels almost like a personal diary, both for EAT YOUR HEART OUT and us as the listener. It’s full of lyrics and stories that we all go through, so it’s a beautiful thing that we can all share it. Twenty Something is a perfect example of this, the opening lines are enough to hit a nerve and to make you reminisce. The last two years have been taken away and/or messy, leaving a majority feeling lost and confused. Hostage is also an example of dancing and laughing until you cry. It’s a bittersweet track about escaping and reflecting on a toxic relationship. It’s the embodiment of going out with friends on said escape to celebrate; you’re sad, confused, and angry, but you’re free and have realised your value. Happy music and sad lyrics, we love it.
Throughout the album you can hear a range in the different bands that EAT YOUR HEART OUT have taken influence from, including BOSTON MANOR, JIMMY EAT WORLD and PARAMORE. The PARAMORE influence is particularly evident during Heavenly which is reminiscent of both the All We Know Is Falling and Riot! eras, yet EAT YOUR HEART OUT make it their own. Every single song you hear, you know it’s them
They end the album perfectly with Headfirst. You thought it was all over? Think again. A loud track that helps to reminds us that despite all the chaos and difficulties reflected in the record’s lyrics, we’ve made it. We got through it and, in the words of Henry, “I feel alive”.
Each song on Can’t Stay Forever has its own unique personality; every opening note has a distinct style different from the others before it. It feels like the album follows a story, a diary almost as the protagonist goes through different emotions and events. Beautiful vocals, instruments, and lyrics, nothing more is needed to be said.
Rating: 9/10
Can’t Stay Forever is set for release on September 9th via Fearless Records.
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