glaive Proves Himself a Creature of Constant Reinvention and Self-Discovery in 'May It Never Falter'
The sophomore slump is a curse that hangs heavy in the minds of many artists, but not glaive. Following his 2023 musical diary, i care som uch that i don't care at all, glaive returns with a new perspective in May It Never Falter. He uses his life experiences, specifically a trip to Iceland, to reflect on his losses, how he's grown, and, most importantly, who he ultimately wants to be.
The first track, '"For God and Country,'" is a bold opener that sees glaive fearlessly expressing his religious beliefs. A medievalesque choral arrangement, which is a recurring theme throughout the project, infuses a slow, sunrise quality to the production before the introduction of euphoric electronics. He reflects on his past, from his former suicidal thoughts to his present self, expressing gratitude for what and who he has around him.
In "Live & Direct," featuring fellow rising artist kurtains, glaive takes a bold departure from his earlier pop-driven foundation, embracing raw, guitar-driven melodies and a bass-heavy sound that echoes the raw energy of classic rock. The track opens with a nostalgic riff before transitioning into glaive's signature blend of introspective lyricism, soft verses, and acoustic flourishes. The duo opens up about their sexual desires while flaunting the impact of their music. While the two share the hooks for a club aesthetic, glaive takes over the verse to reflect on how he's moved on from his partner and holds tight to his bro.
The album's focus track, "EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY," is a standout moment. It's a high-energy anthem that showcases thudding basslines and intricate production, capturing a pivotal moment in the project's sonic arc. Aggressive yet eye-opening, glaive lets listeners in on how he feels about his rise to fame at fifteen with the release of "astrid," sharing that with the success also came pain. In the chorus, he croons, "Please don't look me in my face / In my eyes, you see the pain / Anger's just a supplement for change / I find myself in things I hate."
The penultimate track, "Nobodys Fault/Accept My Own," may be the best song on the entire album, and that's saying a lot considering the number of excellent tracks present. glaive reflects on his faults, using the title as a double entendre with accept replacing except to show that he has embraced his faults. This song's transitions and precise production, which features ethereal harp plucks, gentle lute strums, and intent, make it a spellbinding effort to his ever-growing discography.
"By Birthright" is a stunning finale. Using soft guitar riffs and a dreamy falsetto, he expresses a profound sadness as he wonders what has happened to him. The beautiful colors of the production swirl around glaive's existentialism, using this song as an opportunity to remind listeners that every choice in life is up to oneself, as it is yours by birthright.
As glaive steps into this new phase of his career, May It Never Falter reflects his formative years and stands as a testament to his versatility and artistic evolution. Fans and critics alike should expect to hear more bold, forward-thinking music from this teenage multi-hyphenate in the years to come.
Listen to May It Never Falter below:
