Cut your parachute and prepare to feel alive again – The Maine have returned!

On January 28, The Maine released “Die to Fall”, the first single off their highly-anticipated tenth studio album Joy Next Door set for release April 10. Joy Next Door marks their first release since their 2023 self-titled album.

“Die to Fall” feels fresh and energetic in a way distinct to The Maine. This is in part due to frontman John O’Callaghan’s breezy tenor and achingly sincere lyrics. The song inspires bittersweet feelings as O’Callaghan seems to espouse his desire to live in the moment while lamenting his inability to do so through gritted teeth. It, according to O’Callaghan, describes a very real struggle.

“’Die To Fall’ is a dialogue with myself about the desire to let go. Let go of my insecurities, my ego, my worries, let go of ‘me’ for even just a second and truly feel the gravity of all the little moments we can often take for granted,” he said in a press release.

“Most of the personal friction I’ve felt during the making of this record has derived from having to face my own struggle with feeling like I have everything I could have ever dreamed of, yet I can’t seem to allow myself to be fully present and appreciate the weight of a very fortunate life.”

That angst comes through lyrics like “gravity’s a bitch/always holding on and on and on” and “I’d feel alive/if I wanted to”. The instrumentation feels familiar without being stale, which is a feat on its own coming from a band who’ve been active for nearly twenty years. Bright guitars and Pat Kirch’s driving percussion and makes the synth-driven track maintain an organic edge that has made The Maine an emo mainstay since 2007.

According to a press release from their label Photo Finish Records, Joy Next Door promises to be The Maine’s “most essential album yet”. If the lead single is anything to go by, I can’t help but agree.

“Die to Fall” is currently available on all major streaming services and Joy Next Door will be available for pre-order February 3. Their I Love You, But I Chose the Maine tour kicks off on March 24 in Los Vegas. Dates and cities are listed below and tickets can be purchased here.

What did you think of “Die to Fall”? Check out the official music video below and let us know what you think in the comments!