Sincere Engineer shares reflective new single "Settle Up With Your Downfall"

News

23 Oct

Sincere Engineer, the emotive-punk project led by the brilliant Deanna Belos, has just dropped a powerful new single titled “Settle Up With Your Downfall” via Hopeless Records. Known for her sharp wit and emotional honesty, Belos takes a more introspective turn on this track, delving into themes of self-reflection and accountability.

Fresh from a successful tour with pop-punk veterans New Found Glory, Belos shifts gears from high-energy performances to deliver a more intimate, acoustic-driven sound. This quieter, more reflective approach reveals another side to her artistry, proving that Sincere Engineer’s appeal extends far beyond energetic punk sing-alongs.

"Settle Up With Your Downfall" centres on accepting one’s flaws and their impact on our lives, with Belos capturing raw, relatable emotions that resonate deeply with the song’s introspective lyrics.

As Belos says:

“This song is a fluid thought about how you owe it to yourself to recognise your faults and how they contribute to your reality at the individual level, while also commenting on all of humanity and our place on this planet.”

The track caps off a busy year for Sincere Engineer, who recently performed at the 2024 Riot Fest, marking a return to her hometown of Chicago. The momentum behind Sincere Engineer has been building steadily, with live performances continuing to win over fans thanks to raw lyrics and unpolished stage presence. Now, with “Settle Up With Your Downfall”, Belos offers something a little more reflective but no less impactful. The single sees Sincere Engineer tackling familiar themes of internal conflict and personal responsibility, but this time framed within a slower and more deliberate soundscape.

Following on from earlier releases Cheap Grills, Bless My Psyche, and Rhombithian, the new single serves as a change of pace, hinting at Sincere Engineer’s versatility. Where previous tracks like “Trust Me” or “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7” showcased sharp wit alongside a wall of guitars, this new offering strips things back, allowing Belos’ lyrics and delivery to take centre stage. The simplicity of the arrangement complements the song’s message, creating space for listeners to engage with its vulnerability.

Belos has always had a knack for capturing moments of self-doubt and humour in equal measure, a trait that has earned Sincere Engineer a loyal following. However, “Settle Up With Your Downfall” adopts a more serious tone, exploring acceptance in a way that feels both personal and universal. The acoustic approach feels like a deliberate contrast to the often frenetic nature of Sincere Engineer’s previous work, reflecting a quieter moment amid the noise.

As Belos and Co. wrap up another hectic year, “Settle Up With Your Downfall” hints at what might come next from Sincere Engineer. Whether this marks a shift towards more acoustic tracks or simply a pause before returning to their usual high-energy sound remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Belos isn’t content to rest on her laurels, and fans can likely expect more surprises in the near future.

Watch the video for “Settle Up With Your Downfall”: