Southern Californian band Movements returns with two new singles: "Dissolve Me" and "Back in My Ways." Movements blend elements of hardcore, pop-punk, and emo into a digestible feast for many different audiences, curating a sound that has always been uniquely their own. Like most fans, my journey with Movements began with the deeply emotional and flawless 2017 album “Feel Something,” which easily became a timeless classic and continues to harbor a colossal cult following. Even back when I never listened to hardcore, the first time I begrudgingly gave them a chance and went to a show, Movements’ insane energy and crowd of fervent enthusiasts caused a seismic shift. It was my first mosh pit, my first wall of death, and my first really hard kick in the face from a stage diver. It's safe to say I loved it (well, not the bruise) and have never been the same since.
Last Friday, the four-piece released two new singles along with an announcement of their new album, “Happier Now,” releasing September 4th. This will be their fourth full-length album after almost 3 years of non-stop touring. Although the album title hints at something more jovial than fans are used to, I fear the name might be a red herring. The writing on these songs is some of the heaviest they have ever shared.
Vocalist Patrick Miranda explains:
It’s a sort of confession about my own social behaviors and the challenges I face in navigating even the smallest or most ‘normal’ everyday interactions. Those feelings tend to accumulate and worsen over time, to the point where they can become debilitating.
Without the pop-flare that came with “RUCKUS!,” it feels like Movements has come “Full Circle,” with musical allusions that mirror earlier works, even giving a subtle nod to the running album art that we got with “Feel Something.”
Track 2, "Dissolve Me," starts with a gritty guitar crescendo that creeps in the left ear and explodes through the right. Miranda’s soft and velvety voice has always been an asset that drew me in, and he often utilizes vocal layering that emphasizes his range and vocal talent. He starts with a sentiment that perfectly sums up those of us that battle with constant anxiety:
I wish I had a little more patience / with everything that’s on my mind / I’m always getting lost in translation / like nothing ever comes out right / and I’ll dwell all night…
This song might be tamer than some earlier works but doesn’t sacrifice an inch of emotionality. The power that Movements has to connect with listeners by putting struggles with mental illness on display has always been a highlight of their songwriting. It has always been a direct reflection of Miranda's actual life, adding that extra layer of vulnerability. In this song, Miranda debates how to deal with the constant voices in his head. It’s classic Movements, getting swept up in self-destruction, existential dread, and a quest for worthiness. These dark moments quickly catch up in the song, with the beating drums and sentimental guitar melody coming to an abrupt stop to announce:
It couldn’t burn me if I’m gone
This shocking, quiet revelation is paired with Miranda’s distant, harmonious belt in the background, synonymous with the internal conflicts happening in his head. Is there anything that will end these voices but eternal silence?
I really enjoy the descending, scaling guitar riffs here, especially on the second and third runs of the chorus. It adds an interesting layer to the otherwise straightforward guitar section.
Track 6, "Back in My Ways," begins on an even eerier note, with a beautiful, deep bass tone and atmospheric reverb that echoes throughout your brain like the beginning of a horror movie. Miranda’s vocals are front and center, forcing you to really listen to these confessions of inadequacy. Although he’s been given an extraordinary life of success, he can’t help but recognize the demons that shadow his mind aren’t going away anytime soon. It’s clear from these two songs that this album will have a laser focus on the effects of mental health struggles.
Wouldn’t you get sick of it? / Faking every minute with a smile on your face
After the first verse, the instrumentals linger on but sound sad and distant. The drums are so faint that I had a hard time picking them out in the mix. But in the quiet details, Movements is planting an intentional seed. After the second chorus, the band erupts into a powerful, piercing melody that bites even harder after a period of subdued restraint. It features Miranda’s classic belt that I am always so excited to hear again. The emotion that he can portray is simply incredible. The second-half of this song is especially great, and I hope to hear more like this on the album. I could definitely see this one as a show-stopper on tour.
These two new additions to Movement’s discography might contrast sonically but share themes of critical introspection and coping with uncertainty. It gives us a hint of the range that is possible for this album, and I’m all ears. As for the band being “Happier Now," I’m not totally convinced.
“Happier Now” releases September 4th, 2026.
