WATCH: The Maguas Will Have You Crying With “Release Me” Music Video
WATCH: The Maguas Will Have You Crying With “Release Me” Music Video
The alt-rock band’s new single is an emotional song about grief
Words By: Jordyn Kieft
An emo-leaning, alternative rock outfit based in Scranton, PA, The Maguas have just released the music video for their new single “Release Me.” Teaming up with Nik Bruzzese [Casa Loma] for their newest release the band is diving deep into dark and vulnerable lyrical thematics to advance their signature novel yet nostalgic emo sound. “Release Me” is an emotional song about the feeling of hopelessness that follows the loss of a loved one.
The Maguas said this about their new single: “‘Release Me’ holds a very special place in our hearts as a band. We feel this song helps to portray that feeling of hopelessness one faces when their heart is broken after the loss of a loved one. This song is our interpretation of that internal struggle to let go or move forward from the fear of losing someone so dear to us. This song was conceptualized following the loss of our drummer’s grandfather and is a tribute to Brandon’s coming to terms with his grandfather’s passing.”
The video begins with a series of clips featuring various people experiencing sadness. Lead vocalist Erik Miller begins singing immediately, backed up with only a soft guitar, providing a somber and acoustic feel. Miller sings about losing someone and begs “please just let me go.” We immediately realize that in each of these clips, the person is grieving the loss of a loved one. An image is flashed on the screen showcasing a funeral parking lot sign, further confirming our thoughts. All at once the beat shifts, transitioning into the band’s signature alt-rock sound. Miller begins signing again, this time saying “I wish I had a little more faith.” His raw and powerful voice instantly draws you into his emotions surrounding his own loss, grief, and heartbreak. As the chorus begins again he begs to be released from the grief he feels at losing his loved one. During this time, we continue to see clips of people grieving those that they lost by looking at old photographs of them and holding their things. Miller admits “I can’t let you go” as he tries desperately to be released from the pain. By the end of the song, you will find yourself with tears in your eyes, the personal and emotional lyrics reaching into your heart and touching your soul.
Established in 2018, The Maguas released their debut EP, Good Beer, the following year. The self-produced record was a demonstration of the collective’s unique songwriting capabilities, boasting songs written by each member prior to their coalescence. Partnering with producer Nik Bruzzese [Man Overboard, The Wonder Years] after their original debut, The Maguas set to work on their sophomore release in early 2020. One of Us Is Lying dropped later that year, quickly garnering significant traction within the scene and earning them recognition from an array of outlets including The Popko Project, New Noise Magazine, and Alternative Press. Over the years, The Maguas have worked alongside the likes of The Spill Canvas, Secondhand Serenade, The Dangerous Summer, Rain City, Forever Came Calling, Assuming We Survive, and We Were Sharks.
The band is now venturing onto their third iteration with an anticipated release in 2021. Their first two singles “Drifter” and “Shapeless,” released on August 27th and September 28th respectively, are the accompanying tracks to “Release Me” set to be featured in said anticipated third iteration.
