In a world where honesty can feel like a rare commodity, Hail the Sun’s “’Doing the Same Thing and Expecting Different Results”’ offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the struggle for truth.

With the band’s release of their third album, “Culture Scars,” Hail the Sun, a post-hardcore band from Chico, Calif.ornia,  gave us the beautiful ending song, “Doing the Same Thing and Expecting Different Results.” 

This song is so important to me because it focuses on the raw pain of lead vocalist Donovan Melero’s repeating self-destructive behaviors, like the cycle of lying to loved ones to avoid disappointing them. Through Melero’s intense, honest lyrics, the song captures the frustration and regret that come with this cycle. The emotion in his voice feels like a personal confession, making the song immediately relatable for anyone who’s struggled with similar feelings.

The band matches the emotional weight of the lyrics with dynamic instrumentals. The quick guitar riffs and relentless percussion gives the sense of being in this cycle as it follows the vocals. As the tempo shifts and intensifies, it reflects the highs and lows of this struggle, with the instruments building tension and the eventual fall of his actions. The sound amplifies the lyrics’ frustration, pulling the listener in closer to understand Melero’s internal conflict.

A powerful aspect I like about this song is how it questions honesty itself. Melero reflects on when honesty became a foreign concept to him and admits he doesn’t remember when it started. This loss of self awareness is relatable sometimes. His realization gives a voice to a difficult truth about how easily you can lose sight of honesty and self-identity.

The song ends with Melero’s apology to those he’s hurt, showing a sense of responsibility and acceptance. This final feeling at the end shows relief, like he is healing and becoming accountable for what he’s done in the past. In “Culture Scars,” Hail the Sun turns a personal struggle into a powerful reminder of the challenge and courage it takes to truly change.

You can listen to “Doing the Same Thing and Expecting Different Results” and the rest of “Culture Scars” on platforms like YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and SoundCloud.