The Beaches Embrace the Pain of Being Alone in "What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid"
Photo: Meg Moon
The Beaches are back with the hard-hitting alternative anthem “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” as they continue to captivate listeners as they draw closer to the September 15 release of their sophomore album, Blame My Ex.
“What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” starts off with a lone, strummed electric guitar supporting the vocals, setting the scene for the song’s narrative about self-doubt. Then, picked guitar arpeggios join in as a wistful counterpart to the somber start.
What really lures listeners in is the verse melody of “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid.” It wanders up a winding tune that embodies the sullen, contemplative lyrics before the words even set in. Even with its more introspective feel, there’s still a quip of tongue-in-cheek snark in the vocals. Lead singer, Jordan Miller, sings with a signature raw edge, juxtaposing vulnerable melodies with cynical lyrics, calling her inner voice a bitch in each chorus. She intertwines her candid vocal tone with desperate pops in the melody, adding gasping breaths between moments of biting bluntness.
"'What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid' is a song about feeling intense anxiety after a breakup," shares The Beaches. "This had been my experience when my relationship had just ended. I wasn’t used to being on my own, so I found myself feeling really insecure in social situations - which was really surreal because I’m usually very confident and self-assured. However, the more people I’ve shown this song to, the more I’ve come to understand I'm not alone."
“What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” is accompanied by a cinematic music video that lets us witness The Beaches confronting their doubt. The video sets Miller in an empty dance hall, sat on a chair before a dusty stage in her undone party clothes. She serenades listeners as she slowly starts to spiral alongside the intensifying lyrics. The rest of The Beaches look on from the background until the scene changes, and we’re on a stormy coast, watching the band play “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” by the water. Between the turbulent lighting and the ocean setting, the bitter mood is tangible, embraced by the scenery itself. By the final chorus, Miller gives in to catharsis, throwing her chair through the standing mirror that taunts her and joining her band in stoic calm.
"What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” is a mood and angst-driven addition to The Beaches’ growing collection of singles that leaves us all the more eager for the highly-anticipated release of Blame My Ex.
Watch the “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” video below:
