Southern California's post-hardcore stalwarts Movements have shared “Separate,” an emotionally crushing new single that balances heart-wrenching vulnerability with the explosive post-hardcore intensity the band has become known for. The track serves as the closing song on their forthcoming fourth album, Happier Now, arriving September 4 via Fearless Records.
Built around soaring guitars, dynamic shifts and Patrick Miranda’s unmistakably raw vocal delivery, “Separate” captures the emotional weight that has made Movements one of the most compelling bands in modern post-hardcore. It’s a song that starts with quiet reflection before erupting into one of the band’s most cathartic moments to date.
Speaking on the new single, Miranda explains:
“‘Separate’ is about a turning point I experienced during the writing of this album. Between creative friction, internal and intrapersonal struggles, and the weight of needing to create something that felt meaningful, the stress of it all hit me hard. I felt like I had nothing more to offer in that moment. Instead of fighting it, I withdrew. It’s about feeling so overwhelmed in life that instead of confronting the issue, you just want to separate entirely from whatever situation is causing it.”
Based on the singles released so far, the Will Yip-produced Happier Now appears to expand on the broader, heavier sound Movements explored on RUCKUS! while bringing back more of the emotional urgency, tension and vulnerability that defined the band’s earlier material.
“Separate” follows the previously released singles “Dissolve Me,” “Back in My Ways” and “Everything Is Fine.” So far, Movements are four for four with the singles from Happier Now and simply haven’t missed. If these songs are any indication of what’s still to come, the band looks poised to deliver one of the standout albums of the year. Happier Now is shaping up to be the perfect combination of everything Movements does best—crushing emotion, towering melodies, explosive dynamics and deeply personal songwriting that hits just as hard lyrically as it does musically.
Watch the official video and stream “Separate” below.