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Three is a really important number. In society, in religions, the number three has always held special significance. I’ve always felt the same was true for great bands. Making a noteworthy album is hard. A lot of bands have gotten that far though. Writing two albums that truly resonate with people has always meant you aren’t a fluke, you aren’t forgotten. Once you have three albums the grow, evolve, and speak to people. Those are bands that are no longer defined by era or genre. They are simply great. During the course of my life I have found several bands that already had 3+ amazing records that helped shape who I was. Far fewer where I could say I was there for album one and followed that band on their journey, matured with them. What I couldn’t say until Actors “Our Love Will Live Forever” was that I had such a deep connection to a band I saw at the beginning and was screaming from the rooftops about to anyone who would listen until they hit that moment. Having the creativity, talent, and cohesion to consistently to 10 songs that matter together while touring the world is truly lightning in a bottle in 2026. I’ll pause a moment to tip my hat to Jason, Shannon, Adam, Kendell, and Jahmeel.
ACTORS – Our Love Will Live Forever
| 1. | CTRL03:15 | |||
| 2. | Youth03:17 | |||
| 3. | Stimulation03:15 | |||
| 4. | Left On Read03:20 | |||
| 5. | Dead Inside03:29 | |||
| 6. | Object of Desire03:12 | |||
| 7. | In Real Life03:15 | |||
| 8. | I’m Not Here03:32 | |||
| 9. | Exploded View03:33 | |||
| 10. | Bad Boys (Don’t Go to Heaven)03:50 |
Jason once again produced the album at his studio Jacknife Sound, and released it with Artoffact Records. Before the 9/4/26 release the album was preceded by 6 singles CTRL, Left On Read, Youth, Object Of Desire, Dead Inside, and In Real Life. So we have already reviewed and felt a good portion of the record. I think it really speaks to the goal Actors had, to release an album of just bangers. Jason had a serious cardiac event during the writing and recording of “Our Love Will Live Forever”. The kind of thing that makes you reflect on what matters most while wondering if your chance to travel and play for people was done. To answer those questions by putting out and 10 out of 10 no skips record says everything about the love and passion Actors hold for their art.
Previous Singles i reviewed from the album already 🙂 CTRL
For a band I have loved since the beginning when I hear a new release the first thing I think of is what is new? For me the Actors sound has always built around the core of Jason’s vocals. Thirteen seconds into CTRL you are blasted with a wall of sound driven by a run-away chariot of blasting bass. Jason is emotive and understated with Kendall and Shannon shining echo’s glowing around the edges. The guitar swirls and cracks in precise moments. The entire ride is a 3.25-minute banger with tight structure and vibrant energy. I can’t wait to hear this live with Adam booming away in 4/4. I’ve never heard Actors push the needle like this and I am here for it. The “Our Love Starts Forever tour is coming in 2026 and if you have never witnessed the Actors live, don’t wait.
Youth – This track makes the little hairs on my arm stand up. A beautifully retro Echo and the Bunnymen vibe with a little extra foot on the gas. Your youth can feel constantly further away, but one thing you never forget is how hard everything hit. Love, anger, friendship, everything was loud and earth shaking. I love how the synths bounce on this. Jason does a really clean whisper of his voice. Like telling you a secret you lean in to hear.
Stimulation – This one wasn’t one of the early release singles and the first thing that hits is the phrasing on the lyrics. The timing is just slightly off of where you expect it to be. It really gives a feeling of mystery. We are all so hungry to feel something in these days. Scrolling content, consuming, I love this reminder that the true experience is out there beyond the screen. Waiting to be tasted, touched, and smelt.
Left On Read – Oh how I love a good breakdown. At 1:29 this song has a masterclass in the power of space to let a song breathe. I feel like this theme, of left on read is so relevant in 2026. It seems like we are all holding our breath for an answer, and communication just beyond our reach. This track is so real. To share the real fear that comes along with love is so difficult. This song makes it feel effortless.
Dead Inside – Again this is a no tracks skipped album. This one is special for the drums. Jason’s voice is a smokeshow, the bassline is walking me through the neighborhood as I am a dog on a leash. The true masterclass here are Adam’s subtle shifts and accents. It’s a mystery novel that always has me guessing. It has a bit of 90’s Pixies flavor mixed with, well Actors. I love when a band hits that level where part of the fusion you describe is, them.
I’m Not Here – This one cooks. The baseline is humming like an electron in a collider, right until the overlapping guitar starts growling. I love every flavor of this tortured love kaleidoscope.
Please forgive me for my sin
I can’t live through this again
You could be that someone
This record is a rollercoaster through the spectrum of love and loss. In a world spinning further from the truth of the human heart it feels so good to have ten songs guaranteed to make you feel something. To make you remember why the world is a beautiful place and worth fighting for.