Sean T MacLeod is a Scarriff, Ireland based musician and former founding member of the Dublin band Cisco, who recorded with Paul Barrett. After the band’s split, he pursued a solo career and is preparing to release his fifth album, That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star, in Spring 2026, alongside an experimental project, We Don’t See What That We Don’t See. His music blends sixties pop influences like The Beatles with folk, classical, avant garde textures, and philosophical lyricism.
Sean T MacLeod opens a bold new chapter with “Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em),” the fourth single from his forthcoming album That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star, released on February 14, 2026. Positioned as the album’s opening track, the song carries the responsibility of setting the emotional and sonic tone for the project, and it does so with assured clarity. Following the more avant garde leaning I Know Not, this single marks a deliberate return to his traditional indie roots, embracing a raw, melodic pop sensibility anchored in classic songwriting craft.
From its first shimmering guitar strokes, “Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em)” establishes a bright yet purposeful atmosphere. The jangly guitar textures feel nostalgic, echoing the warmth of sixties influenced pop while remaining firmly grounded in contemporary indie production. The arrangement is deceptively simple. Clean guitars provide the structural backbone, supported by a steady rhythm section that never overpowers the melodic core. The bass lines quietly reinforce the harmonic framework, while crisp percussion adds subtle propulsion. Each instrument is given space to breathe, resulting in a mix that feels open, balanced, and intentional. This sonic clarity enhances the immediacy of the song’s message, allowing the hooks to land with natural ease.
Vocally, MacLeod delivers one of his most compelling performances to date. His tone is warm and assured, guided by melodic discipline rather than vocal theatrics. The verses unfold conversationally, drawing listeners into the narrative with understated sincerity. As the chorus arrives, his phrasing expands, lifting both pitch and emotional intensity in a way that mirrors the song’s central call for autonomy. The hook is unmistakably his signature style, catchy yet refined, designed to linger long after the final note. There is a quiet confidence in how he shapes each line, balancing clarity with subtle expressive shifts that communicate conviction without strain.
Lyrically, “Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em)” centers on personal agency and resistance to external pressures. The repeated refrain functions as both direct encouragement and broader metaphor, urging listeners to guard their individuality in a world eager to impose direction. What makes the writing resonate is the contrast between its empowering message and its sweet melodic framing. Rather than sounding confrontational, the song feels celebratory, even uplifting in its insistence on self possession. The philosophical undercurrent aligns seamlessly with MacLeod’s broader artistic identity, blending accessible pop structure with deeper reflective themes.
Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em) Is A Bright Indie Pop Declaration Of Self Belief, Urging Listeners To Guard Their Autonomy And Stand Firm Against Outside Control
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
Ultimately, the single succeeds through balance. It honors timeless pop instincts while embracing indie textures, pairing meaningful lyricism with an infectious chorus. As the opening track of the upcoming album, it signals a project rooted in melody, clarity, and purpose. “Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em)” stands as both a personal declaration and an inviting anthem. Listeners seeking heartfelt indie pop with substance should absolutely go and experience this radiant release for themselves.
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