FINNEAS has released a new single, "Lotus Eater," as part of his latest album, For Cryin' Out Loud. While this review focuses on the single, remember there’s plenty more to explore on the album, which marks his third full-length release, excluding two deluxe editions of previous records.

Having listened to all his previous work, I’d say "Lotus Eater" fits right into the mood I’ve come to expect from FINNEAS. It’s mellow, melancholy, beautiful, a bit theatrical, and uniquely his. This isn’t to say the music feels predictable, but rather to highlight how well FINNEAS has crafted a distinct musical identity. You can instantly tell this is his song, and that’s a huge plus.

The track is fairly simple in sound, driven by a catchy vocal melody that often ends with drawn-out phrases. This particular vocal style, and the choice of notes, really showcases the shared musical voice between FINNEAS and his sister, Billie Eilish—you can sense their familial connection. The song also gives the guitar a lot of attention, layering fuzzy and clean guitars to create depth.

Though FINNEAS is a renowned producer, "Lotus Eater" doesn’t have that over-produced feel. Instead, it feels like a song crafted and perfected in a practice space. If he produced this track entirely on his own, he deserves even more credit for creating such an organic sound.

FINNEAS is known for embedding subtle details in his production, and "Lotus Eater" is no exception. If you listen closely, you can hear a whistle-like melody enhancing the vibe after the first chorus, and at one point, there’s a tremolo-heavy vocal effect in the background that returns later in the song. These small, nearly imperceptible touches really elevate the track, even if you don’t consciously notice them.

I’ve listened to "Lotus Eater" about 15 times now, and while I’m neither tired of it nor overly eager to replay it, I think that speaks to its strength—it’s the kind of track that can blend effortlessly into any moment. It’s not overwhelming, yet it’s rich in detail, making it versatile and easy to enjoy anywhere.

If you’re excited about the full album, don’t do what I did and start with the last song. FINNEAS is a phenomenal artist, so go give him a listen!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!