Planes Mistaken For Stars unleash gritty new single "Arrow"
Planes Mistaken For Stars have returned with "Arrow", the latest single from their highly anticipated album Do You Still Love Me?, set for release on 1 November via Deathwish Inc.
The album marks the band’s first release in seven years and the first since the tragic passing of frontman Gared O’Donnell, whose legacy looms large over the entire record. O'Donnell, a guiding force for Planes Mistaken For Stars, was diagnosed with cancer during the creation of Do You Still Love Me?, but continued to drive the band forward until his untimely death in 2021.
The album, recorded with producer Sanford Parker in Chicago, captures a deeply emotional journey born out of isolation, pain, and loss. Written during the forced quiet of the pandemic and recorded in the thick of O'Donnell's battle with illness, Do You Still Love Me? channels the raw, unfiltered emotion of a band coming to terms with the unimaginable—losing their leader while making their most intense music yet. O'Donnell’s presence can be felt throughout, his voice woven into the very fabric of the record.
"Arrow" is a poignant yet blistering showcase of what’s to come. Guitars tear through the mix with jagged precision, while the rhythm section provides a driving, almost militaristic pulse. The track balances moments of heaviness with subtle melody, capturing the intensity that fans have come to expect from Planes Mistaken For Stars. It’s a song that refuses to shy away from the reality of loss, with haunting lyrics that echo long after the final note fades. The intertwining vocals and serrated guitar work are classic PMFS, but there's an undeniable emotional weight behind every element, a testament to O'Donnell’s final work with the band.
Do You Still Love Me? is a harrowing reflection on life, death, and transcendence. It's an emotional rollercoaster that digs deep into the complexities of grief and the catharsis of creation. From the visceral fury of "Arrow" to the more delicate moments scattered across the album, Planes Mistaken For Stars have crafted an unflinchingly honest record. Tracks like "Matthew is Dead" and "Fix Me" push the band’s post-hardcore sound into new territories, while songs such as "Put Your Heart on the Fire" and the title track offer moments of sombre introspection, reflecting on life’s fragility and the ever-present spectre of mortality.
The loss of O'Donnell is undeniably the emotional core of the record. His illness and death became an inescapable part of the album’s DNA. Still, Do You Still Love Me? isn’t just a mournful elegy—it’s a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the creative force that burned so brightly within O'Donnell. His bandmates honour him with blistering performances that shift seamlessly from chaotic fury to heart-wrenching vulnerability. The band’s mix of post-hardcore, metal-tinged aggression, and raw emotionality has never felt more relevant or potent.
Speaking about the album, the band has described it as a labour of love—a record that was painfully difficult to complete but utterly necessary. Do You Still Love Me? is not an easy listen, but it offers rich rewards for those willing to fully engage with its emotional depths. Every note feels like a hard-won victory over pain, every lyric a testament to the band's ability to find beauty in the darkest moments.
With Do You Still Love Me?, Planes Mistaken For Stars push their sound forward, unveiling new layers while staying true to their roots. The album wastes no time in pulling listeners into its intense, sometimes overwhelming atmosphere, but for those familiar with the band's work, this will feel like a natural progression. The record showcases the band’s ability to channel their grief into something transcendent, crafting songs that leave an indelible mark on anyone who listens.
"Arrow" is available to stream now on all major platforms, and Do You Still Love Me? is available for pre-order through Deathwish. For fans of Planes Mistaken For Stars, this is more than just a new record—it’s a farewell, a tribute, and a final chapter in the band’s story with O'Donnell. But beyond that, it’s proof that even in the face of overwhelming loss, there is still beauty to be found in music, memory, and creation.
Save the date for Do You Still Love Me?, and watch the video for “Arrow”:
