Survive by Lewis Capaldi review: 'everyman appeal'
The songs on this EP may not represent a dramatic new departure for Lewis Capaldi, but given the mental health struggles he’s been dealing with it’s encouraging that he has embraced his return so fully, writes Fiona Shepherd
Absence makes the fans grow fonder. Lewis Capaldi has returned to tremendous, deserved support following time out to deal with his well-publicized mental health struggles. As distressing as the last few years have been for him, he has proven himself willing to be open and vulnerable in person and in song and has testified to emerging stronger for it.
He recently netted the Best Live Act title at the Scottish Music Awards and another headline slot at TRNSMT in 2026 and caps his return to action with the Survive EP, collecting the singles he has released this year. All tracks have featured in his comeback live shows so they are already part of the 2025 pop fabric.
The title track was the fastest selling single of the year. It is standard Capaldi fare, with the earworm tune, building to a pounding overstretched chorus and cathartic lyrics which contrast desperation and determination, often in the space of one line. He then ditches the trademark bellowing for a pretty falsetto on Something in the Heavens, a celestial pop prayer to be reunited in the next life. Having captured the market in wedding first dance songs, he now has his eye on the funeral market.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Almost features another fine, direct vocal. For once, Capaldi doesn’t force the emotion and lets the soaring melody do the work as he plays with the idea of being okay-not-okay with grief. Whether for a loved one or a relationship, the sentiment is general enough to be applied widely.
He does get more specific on The Day I Die, in which he imagines his own funeral. It’s a grim premise, given that he is addressing his still living parents in the lyrics: “I will love you just the same from somewhere different”. In a crowded field, he reckons this is his most personal song to date but thanks to his everyman appeal these songs are already out there, being embraced in times of need. So, more of the same it is. But given what Capaldi has been wrangling with, it is encouraging that he has embraced his return so fully.
The Scotsman’s arts newsletter is now sent twice a week - subscribe today
Want the latest Scottish headlines sent directly to your phone? Sign up to our new WhatsApp channel here.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.