McCabe – Vicious (2025)
McCabe’s latest single ‘Vicious’ marks a triumphant return for the South London experimental soul artist, delivering on the promise of his unique musical vision. As the first offering from his upcoming debut LP Sunset Boulevard, the track showcases McCabe’s ability to blend vintage soul sensibilities with contemporary production techniques.
The song’s foundation lies in its organic instrumentation and McCabe’s distinctive falsetto, which he embraced later in his musical journey. Working alongside producer Patrick James Fitzroy (known for collaborations with Sorry, Katy J Pearson, and PVA), McCabe crafts a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The addition of Clara Hurtado’s backing vocals and David Zbirka’s drumming elevates the track’s soulful essence.
Lyrically, ‘Vicious’ navigates the complex emotional terrain of a relationship’s aftermath. As McCabe himself explains: “‘Vicious’ is a personal account of the regrets of a past relationship and the need for both parties to stay away in order to move on and thrive in the world. In the lyrics, I express my shame in some of my behaviours. The song captures the bittersweet memories of old love, etched with the sentiment that staying away from each other is the best way to move on and prosper.” This vulnerability adds weight to the track’s seemingly effortless groove, creating a compelling tension between the upbeat musical arrangement and the melancholic narrative.
Influences from Bakar’s ‘Hell N Back’ and production legends like Burt Bacharach and Phil Spector shine through in the song’s construction, while still maintaining McCabe’s distinctive “experimental soul” approach. The track succeeds in its stated aim to merge pop accessibility with hip-hop attitude while remaining rooted in traditional soul structures.
As a preview of his forthcoming album, ‘Vicious’ suggests that McCabe’s artistic vision is fully realised, blending genre elements with confidence while maintaining emotional authenticity. For listeners seeking soulful music with depth and contemporary relevance, McCabe’s ‘Vicious’ delivers a promising taste of what’s to come.
Find out more about McCabe on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
