Superstar Crush’s “They Keep Calling”: A Power Ballad of Female Rage and Creative Survival

Hamilton, Ontario baroque-pop quartet Superstar Crush have unveiled their latest single, “They Keep Calling,” a bombastic power ballad rooted in female rage, emotional exhaustion, and mutual care. The track, which masterfully tugs at the threads of pop rock melodrama, offers a fresh preview of their much-anticipated debut album Way Too Much, set for release August 5th. More than just a song, it is a vivid portrait of creative camaraderie and the resilience needed to survive burnout.

At the heart of “They Keep Calling” is a deeply personal narrative told from the perspective of lead singer Marzieh Darling. However, the song’s writer is not Marzieh herself, but her partner and bandmate Sam Hansell, who crafted the track as a love letter in reverse—one that emphatically declares, “I see you,” in moments when no one else does. The song’s emotional core is inspired by the overwhelming sense of obligation Marzieh carried during her time as a confidant, friend, and university Resident Advisor. As Sam explains, the song chronicles a descent into psychic static, with Marzieh positioned as its electrified centre. He says, “I didn’t really know how to help, so I wrote a scenario where she finally stands up and asks to be heard.”

The production of “They Keep Calling” is as unique as its message—an alchemical blend of polished refinement and chaotic energy. This sonic balance was born out of a delirious overnight recording session held in their old middle school, a forest-fringed building steeped in nostalgia and creative history. Sam and drummer Truaxe Fox transformed the space into a DIY studio, tracking into the early hours with semi-filled wine glasses and the kind of sleepless abandon only true artists can summon. The next morning, bassist Chloe Butler-Stubbs and Marzieh arrived to add their vocal layers, turning the previous night’s sonic mess into a crystalline, cohesive track.

Adding an unexpected layer to the song’s eclectic soundscape was a guest contribution from their friend Lenny McGowan of Irresponsible Purchase, who dropped by for coffee and ended up recording a dream tap dance solo. Truaxe recalls, “Our friend Lenny McGowan (Irresponsible Purchase) dropped by for coffee. We ended up asking them to record a dream tap dance solo which you can hear at the very end of the track.” This whimsical addition perfectly complements the song’s vibrant blend of influences.

Lyrically desperate yet sonically rich, “They Keep Calling” is a Frankenstein’s monster of references: tremolo vocals reminiscent of Capital Steez, drums tight and precise like The Motels, synth layers evocative of Mike Dean’s lush textures, and Bangles-style string drama courtesy of violinist Helen Faucher. It’s a song stitched together with mutual admiration, inside jokes, and deeply felt emotion. The band shares, “A lot of our songs are like that – inspired by each other,” revealing the tight-knit collaborative spirit that defines Superstar Crush.

Beyond its striking sound and heartfelt lyrics, “They Keep Calling” stands as a testament to the complexities of emotional labor, especially for women who often find themselves caught in cycles of giving without reciprocation. The song captures the exhaustion, frustration, and fiery resolve that arise when boundaries are finally drawn. It’s a musical embodiment of the catharsis that comes with claiming space and demanding to be heard.

Listen in here: https://open.spotify.com/track/0BcvrE2LCox3B3VRRLkS9F?si=2a350ec7a5894407&nd=1&dlsi=15bac13c68f44fdf

As the lead single for Way Too Much, “They Keep Calling” sets a powerful tone for the album. It promises a body of work that’s not only sonically adventurous but also emotionally raw—one that explores the nuances of connection, care, and self-preservation. With its layered instrumentation and raw, honest storytelling, the song invites listeners into the intimate world of Superstar Crush, a band forging a path through the tangled intersections of friendship, love, and creative exhaustion.

Superstar Crush’s deft blending of baroque-pop textures with rock’s emotional intensity marks them as an exciting voice in the contemporary music scene. Their ability to channel personal struggles into something sonically expansive and collaborative makes “They Keep Calling” a standout track. This song isn’t just a call; it’s a proclamation — a declaration of presence and resilience that echoes long after the final note fades.