New Music: Sungaze – Be a Better Man

Published On: February 28th, 2026|

Lead guitarist Ian Hilvert takes up vocal duties on Be a Better Man, spellcasting in song form, on this track from Sungaze’s I’m No Longer Afraid of Heights album.

Cincinnati-based Sungaze established their own definitive take on shoegaze down the years; on this number from their upcoming fourth album, they show how versatile they can be within that.

One thing that does remain constant in the music of Sungaze is how not only are the lyrics well-conceived and executed, but the band also ensures that their message and their emotionally literate concepts are shared so clearly and sensitively with the listener.

The band have described Be a Better Man as being about healthy masculinity, accepting fault and striving to, well, be a better man. The vocals are the focus of the song, and while the yearning tones of the lead guitar marshal it towards its resolution, it can guide us towards our own.

Sungaze are often the soundtrack to my canal-side walks to town. The journey takes me longer, can be more difficult, but rewards me with beauty, moments of contemplation and welcome isloation. And their music plays as much a part of that as the scenery.

Reveals Hillvert, “Everyone may have insecurities, but at times men feel as though they aren’t allowed to express them, and therefore act more unwieldy in order to compensate for them.”

“I learned of my own insecurities once I got away from situations where I was taken for granted or undervalued, and the song speaks on that realization and what I have done to remain a good partner and friend while maintaining boundaries towards other elements of my life.”

I’m No Longer Afraid of Heights is scheduled for release on the 5th of April, in digital, vinyl, and cassette formats. For pre-order options, head to Softseed Music (international) and Candlepin Records (US).

You can get all the latest album news, and details of upcoming live dates, on Sungaze’s Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram socials. Be a Better Man can be heard on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Header photo by Rikki Austin