As catchy as it is cathartic, DON’T is a heartbreak anthem for anyone considering reaching out ‘one last time.’
Toronto’s LØLØ storms back onto the pop-punk scene with her fiery new single “DON’T!” Known for her explosive presence and sharp lyrical wit, LØLØ layers this track with a blend of alternative edge and modern Gen Z energy.
Opening with bold electric guitar riffs and steely production, “DON’T!” serves as a heartbreak anthem that thrives on catchy hooks rather than raw grit. It’s a relatable track about resisting (and failing) to let go of a “toxic special someone,” but LØLØ’s delivery feels more polished pop than punk. It seems LØLØ is trying to be the next Avril Lavigne and failing in a spectacularly catchy style.
LØLØ’s vocals capture that relatable post-breakup dread, flickering between defiance and temptation. Her voice is both biting and vulnerable as she sings about the “torturously sexy distance,” between herself and the person she’s trying so hard to avoid. Her voice is earnest, with moments of angst-laden sighs throughout the high-energy choruses.
Lyrically, LØLØ brings a relatable wit that’s reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo’s style, balancing heartbreak with humor. However, like Rodrigo’s work, the lyrics stay surface-level, capturing the thrill and frustration of post-breakup emotions without diving too deep. It’s clever and fun, but it leaves you wanting a bit more substance beneath the punchy lines.
In the first verse of the song, she confesses, “And he just texted me ‘I miss you’ and my little world explodes, ’cause all I wanna do is let him take off all my clothes,” striking a balance between cheeky irreverence and genuine frustration. It’s an addictive line, but one that feels much more at home in the Top 40 than it does in a pop-punk playlist.
The track’s energy and catchy hooks make it enjoyable, even if it doesn’t push any boundaries.
The electric guitar on “DON’T!” really stands out, giving the song an edgy backbone that keeps the energy high from start to finish. It drives the track forward, adding a gritty texture that contrasts nicely with LØLØ’s polished vocals.
The bridge is a well-crafted break, slowing things down just enough to let the tension build before the chorus hits again. It’s a moment of vulnerability that balances the intensity of the rest of the track, making the return to the hook feel even more powerful. With high production quality throughout, every beat, riff and vocal line is crisp and clean, giving “DON’T!” that radio-ready feel while keeping its bite.
LØLØ herself has described the track as a “fun song to scream at yourself,” dedicated to those late-night, wrong-number-text type of mistakes. The relatable honesty resonates, especially when she captures that bittersweet self-realization of knowing you shouldn’t think about someone, only to end up writing an entire song about them. It’s a scream-along anthem for anyone familiar with the struggle of moving on.
The best thing about “DON’T!” is the song’s sense of fun. The track captures the vibe of a teenage summer with an edge of adult heartbreak conveyed in the lyrics. There’s a carefree, sing-along quality to it that makes the song the kind of track you’d blast with the windows down, even as the lyrics dive into the messy territory of resisting someone you know isn’t good for you. It’s a heartbreak anthem that pairs angst with a sense of humor, leaning into that bittersweet, reckless energy that makes it easy to get lost in the beat and just enjoy the ride.
“DON’T!” isn’t just another pop-punk track; it’s a testament to LØLØ’s growing influence. This summer alone, she shared stages with pop-punk icons like Simple Plan and jxdn. She’s also set to support Marianas Trench on their Canadian tour, expanding her reach and establishing herself as a powerful live act.
7.5/10
Nalyn Tindall for The B-Side
