Circa Waves – Death & Love
After experiencing a life-threatening heart condition that required emergency surgery, Kieran Shudall of Circa Waves began contemplating mortality more deeply than ever before. The result is their latest double album, Death & Love. Part one was released on 31st January and focuses on the joys of youth and nostalgia. The band then performed the album live, making up for lost time with a hectic festival run where they embraced their work wholeheartedly. Part two, set to release this week, follows eight months of introspection and dives even deeper than ever before into how this experience has made Shudall appreciate the nuance of human connection.
Shudall has expressed that if Death & Love were to be his final album, he wanted it to be filled with music that embodies what joy means to him. As part two begins with Sam Rourke’s eclectic bassline and deep riffs between Joe Falconer and Shudall in Lost in the Fire, the theme of confronting mortality is reintroduced. However, love takes centre stage with Stick Around, where Shudall reflects on how having someone to lean on during difficult moments has taught him that love extends beyond romance and intimacy. The lively instrumentals evoke a sense of lightheartedness, especially with the infectious energy of the lead single Cherry Bomb, which follows. Yet, beneath the upbeat exterior, Shudall’s contemplative thoughts and underlying anxiety remain present as he emphasises appreciating life’s smaller moments.
While part two still features the same catchy and nostalgic sound as before, Shudall’s introspections never waver and only seem more telling as each tune passes. Tracks like Ten Outta Ten and Love Me for the Weekend exemplify this balance, blending electronic-tinged production and punchy guitar riffs with lyrics that delve into mental struggles. The high-energy performances from the band seem to serve as a lifeline, keeping Shudall afloat amidst the emotional depth.
Old Balloons stands out both thematically and sonically, representing the heart of this album segment. With rapid guitars in the verses contrasted by its slower chorus and bridge sections, Shudall tells a comprehensive story of Death & Love. He begins with an optimistic tone, expressing a desire to live life to the fullest. As the chorus unfolds, it feels as if he faces death head-on, clutching onto love as if it could be lost at any second. The bridge paints vivid imagery of contentment, with his partner providing stability and hope. Overall, Old Balloons is a beautiful, yet danceable ode and truly brings the meaning of this record to life.
As Wave Goodbye concludes Death & Love, it feels as though Shudall uses this track to confront his fears of mortality without dwelling on them. Its delicate arrangement and straightforward lyrics suggest a sense of cathartic calm, as if his anxieties have been eased through this honest writing process.
Overall, Death & Love is a powerful reflection of life’s fragility and the enduring importance of love. Circa Waves masterfully balances their introspection with energetic melodies, creating a double album that is both emotionally raw and exciting. Although Shudall’s creative journey was formed out of a tragic event, he, as well as the rest of Circa Waves, have turned it into a record to be proud of.
Taryn Crowley
Image: Paul Polocho
Death & Love is released on 24th October 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Circa Waves’s website here.
Watch the video for Stick Around here:
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