“Stay Dead” is a powerful new single from Empress Eyes, a Grand Rapids-based project led by the captivating songwriting of Clare. The track enthralls with a biting, relatable lyrical narrative and haunting accompanying instrumentation — propelled by emotive viola, atmospheric synths, and anthemic rhythmic rises. The stirring lyrics emit a sense of betrayal and heartbreak, along with a yearning to move past one’s toxicity and ultimately heal.
The effort culminates in a cathartic line: “Fuck you. I don’t have shit to lose, and I don’t have shit to prove.” This follows the annoyance of “neighbors” who have been “asking where you’ve been,” — punctuated by the rousing, visceral declaration: “To be honest man, I wish you’d just stay dead.” The track resonates in conveying pent-up animosity, driven by a long period of tumult. “Stay Dead” is a powerful success from Empress Eyes, which initially formed as Clare’s solo project in 2019, and was joined by the rest of the band in June 2023. A solo debut album, Sitting In My Room, released last fall.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2023’ Spotify playlist.
