Ekkstacy announces third album ‘Forever’ with tender new single ‘Keep My Head Down’

nme.com:

Ekkstacy has announced his third studio album, ‘Forever’ – listen to new single ‘Keep My Head Down’ below.The Vancouver artist and former NME Cover star is due to release the record on May 16 via UnitedMasters (pre-order/pre-save here).

It’ll follow on from his self-titled second LP, which arrived early last year.He had already previewed the forthcoming ‘Forever’ with the song ‘She Will Be Missed’ back in December.On the tender, acoustic guitar-based ‘Keep My Head Down’, Ekkstacy brings his vocal and songwriting abilities to the forefront as he ushers in the next phase of his career on album three.

He adopts a more reflective and stripped-back style on his latest offering.According to a press release, the full ‘Forever’ record “adds a new level of poise to his emo and post-punk influences, the first of his albums to be recorded in a studio with a full band”.

Ekkstacy wrote ‘Forever’ after a period of touring the world in 2024.The project will see the musician retain “the signature off-the-wall energy of his discography”, but dig deeper into “emo influences” such as Japandroids and Remo Drive.“He’s telling similar stories of youthful struggles as he’s done on past albums, this time with a refined perspective focused on overarching themes of the experiences and lessons that lead to newfound maturity,” a description reads.“With ‘Forever’, Stacy is ascending and refreshed, with a strong command of his sound and utilising all of his artistic strengths to their fullest potential.”Sharing the official cover artwork on social media, Ekkstacy told fans that ‘Forever’ was his “favourite album” yet.“I’m trying to write something perfect about it but obviously that’s not my fucking job I’m not a writer,” he continued.