The Maine - 'Palms'
The Maine embrace chaos and unpredictability on their new single “Palms”
As they approach the release of their tenth studio album "Joy Next Door", The Maine release an energetic new single "Palms”, which is the third single off the album. Following the two previous singles “Die To Fall” and “Quiet Part Loud,” “Palms” pushes further into the band’s evolving sound with its modern production and its upbeat melody. The song challenges the idea that everything happens for a reason and leans into the unpredictability of life, with frontman John O'Callaghan delivering the catchy chorus line “Don’t think, it all happens for a reason, fuck that”. It is a track that talks about letting go even when that feels uncomfortable.
Taking its title from the phrase “reading palms” which also appears in the song’s lyrics, the track taps into the human instinct of searching for signs and looking for certainty even when none exists. However, instead of indulging this impulse, the narrator repeatedly shrugs it off with the line “Don’t think, let it happen”. There is a chaotic and carefree energy throughout the track with mentions of “getting drunk” and “spending it all” which is not necessarily framed as healthy, but feels raw and honest. The lyrics don’t try to guide the listener but rather capture a state of mind that is bound to resonate with people across all age groups.
Sonically, the track echoes elements of previous releases such as “Pretender” and “Sticky” which are some of my personal favourite tracks by the band. However, it leans more into an alternative pop-driven sound than rock, which might disappoint fans of heavier tracks such as “Black Butterflies and Deja Vu” (another personal favourite). There is a sense of motion throughout the track, as if the song itself is refusing to sit still. This sentiment is consistent with the creative process behind the track, with O’Callaghan revealing that the initial demo came together in only 30 minutes.
In terms of vocal performance, there is an almost conversational tone in parts of the song, and the repetition of the line “Don’t think, let it happen” gives the impression of a real-time internal monologue, like a thought being looped in someone’s mind until it finally sticks.
With “Joy Next Door” arriving on April 10th and a major headline tour underway, The Maine are stepping into what could be the peak of their career so far. As a longtime fan of The Maine with “Lovely Little Lonely” and “American Candy” still in constant rotation, I’m excited to see what else the band has in store with their upcoming album.
Words by Irina Atanasiu
