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Phoenix outfit The Maine continue to be a staple of the emo scene with the release of their latest single, “Quiet Part Loud.” The track, which is featured on their tenth, yes, TENTH, studio album Joy Next Door, out April 10, is an energetic song about trying to tell someone you love them. Built on lovely guitar riffs, banging drums, and the raw vocals of frontman John O’Callaghan, the track carries a sense of honesty that makes every word land.

The song opens immediately with the first verse, O’Callaghan’s vocals cutting through the instrumentals. He reflects on wanting to express how he feels but struggling to find the right words. “You don’t seem to know ’cause my voice is gone, so how could you know that my heart keeps calling?” he sings, as layers of soft piano, emotive guitar riffs and percussion set the emotional tone.

On the hook, O’Callaghan describes his lover’s eyes as “a song that I’m hearing now,” and captures the frustration of being unable to express your emotions directly, and the realization that sometimes the only way to do so is through music. It’s a sweet sentiment, delivered over soft indie-rock instrumentals that give the moment an almost dreamy quality.

The final minute of the track is largely instrumental, with drums and guitars taking center stage in a way that feels perfectly suited for a live show. In the background, O’Callaghan shouts, “Are you hearing it now?,” a desperate attempt to make sure the person he’s singing to understands what he’s trying to say.

Speaking about the track, O’Callaghan explained that it came together quickly. “Some songs take months or years to write, and some take hours,” he said. “This one came together quickly out of necessity, because time is sometimes not on your side. With that notion in mind… say what you want while you still can.”

The release arrives during a huge moment for The Maine. Festival appearances at Warped Tour, Boston Calling, and When We Were Young Festival preceded their first headline tour in nearly two years, which became the band’s largest on-sale tour to date. Their self-curated 8123 Fest also achieved record success in its most recent iteration.

Their upcoming tour kicks off March 24 in Las Vegas and spans 26 dates across North America, with several shows already sold out.

Be sure to check out The Maine’s latest single, “Quiet Part Loud,” today!