On September 1, 2023, Italian rock sensation Måneskin released their latest single, “HONEY (ARE U COMING?)”

This new single precedes the band’s appearance on this year’s MTV VMAs, on which they will perform this song, and the band has also scored a nomination for Best Rock Video. In addition to the single, it preceded their RUSH! world tour, beginning this month in Europe and ending in Asia by December.

Initially promoted on the band’s social media in brief snippets back in August, the full song is available, though debate on whether or not the song will be a standalone single or appear on a later album runs through fan communities.

The song starts a little quiet, but the hard-edged sound Måneskin is known for kicks in as the opening verse begins. Lead vocalist Damiano David growls a suggestive promise of adventure and passion, in contrast to his usual tone, which is either more submissive or that of a narrator.

The title’s repetition, though, implies a sort of desperation for the singer’s love to actually show up. Several phrases are repeated throughout, achieving a similar tone, including, “Meet me there where it never closes” and “All is fair in love.”

The single’s cover adds to this, as it features a heart-shaped lollipop wrapped in barbed wire about to be eaten. The hand holding the lollipop is scarred as well.

As the song goes on, we start to realize that the song itself is a bit more tragic than the high-energy beat would have us believe. According to David, in an interview with Rolling Stone Italy, “It is the story of a meeting between two people who together see a bit of sadness in each other’s eyes, something that makes them feel out of place.”

The song itself has high levels of energy and spirit to it that contrasts nicely with the more tragic lyrics. During the verses, the bass surges, bringing the tempo down while still keeping an air of excitement to the recording. The band is one to show love to their bassist, and it helps in giving them a bass-heavy, sometimes funky sound in their discography.

Typical for the band, everything is loud, a bit distorted, and ready to blow out eardrums everywhere. The beat is aggressive, and David matches the energy in his quick, raspy performance. He uses it to his advantage here, adding to his vocal style and the specific tone of this song. The falsetto as he sings, “It’s five a.m.” in particular allows for a bit of emotional vulnerability before returning to a more powerful voice for the verses.

The song itself ends with David shouting the title with one last harsh breath, ending the song on a similar note. One last shout before the song closes. Does his love ever show? No one knows. Perhaps he was waiting outside, repeating the same words to himself.

Fortunately, his agony makes for another electric single for Måneskin, a powerful start for what is sure to be a big year for them.