Death & Love Pt. 2 arrives as the final piece of Circa Waves’ double album Death & Love — a truly honest and musically diverse indie rock offering. Led by the ever-talented frontman Kieran Shudall, whose creative vision shapes the project, the album dives into a range of lyrical themes, from vulnerability to maturity with a depth that never slips into clichè.

The opening track, “Lost In The Fire,” sets the tone for everything that follows. Its pulsing basslines drive the song forward with an energy that grabs you from the start. This track feels like the band at full power — moody, confident, and completely in control. What really stands out is the guitar solo that closes the track — a perfect, fiery climax that brings it all together.

Then comes “Stick Around,” one of the album’s most emotionally grounded moments. It strips things back slightly, letting Kieran Shudall’s vocals take centre stage as he delivers a message that feels both personal and universal. Lyrically, “Stick Around” captures that fragile point in a relationship when one person can’t carry it all, and the other steps in to help keep the connection alive.

On the lead single “Cherry Bomb,” the lyrics celebrate that person who’s always got your back — a “badass” ally through life’s chaos, and remind us how essential it is to have someone like that by your side. We don’t do anything alone, and Shudall captures that truth perfectly. As he explains, “It’s all about that person who would do anything for you… someone who is generally a bit of a badass. We all need a cherry bomb in our life.” It’s an anthem for loyalty and love for those who do life with us.

Deeper into the record, we have “Old Balloons” (my favourite on the record) that brings a wistful, homesick texture. It reflects on the realities of touring, the unknown and being away from home and how chasing dreams sometimes can be hard. Closing out with “Wave Goodbye”, the band opts for something more intimate, which makes sense after the emotional roller-coaster of the prior eight tracks. You feel like you’ve been let in for the full story, and this is the moment of quiet reflection.

In short: Death & Love Pt. 2 isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s the second act of a two-part saga. If Part 1 was the shock, fear and immediate aftermath of the near-death moment, Part 2 is the resurgence, the fight back, the celebration of what matters. Shudall’s songwriting is thoughtful and emotionally resonant, grounding the album in a raw sincerity that elevates it beyond standard indie fare. Thanks to him (and the band!) for pushing boundaries and closing this chapter with such impact.

pre-order Death & Love PT 2 by Circa Waves HERE