Kevin Atwater is a singer-songwriter from Downers Grove, Illinois whose music and lyrics cover a wide variety of topics, including love, heartbreak, queer identities, and more. Kevin Atwater currently has two EPs, titled Retriever and Downers Grove and loads of different singles. On March 7th. Kevin released his debut album, Achilles, featuring 11 tracks, such as “ferry beer,” (a previously reviewed song), “lonely gift,” and “Achilles.”  He currently sits at 206.5k monthly listeners on Spotify.

“the cage” (stylized in all lowercase) is the fourth track of Kevin Atwater’s first studio album, Achilles. The album was released on March 7th, 2025; however, “the cage” was released as a pre-release single a month earlier, on February 7th, 2025. The song centers around a relationship that the singer had experienced with an older man and eventually freeing himself and getting back at the man who harmed him. Interestingly enough, this track is special, as it is the first track that Kevin wrote with a time signature of 5/4. Many songs are written using a time signature of 4/4. Time signature is a fraction that gives you information for the number of beats per measure.

the cage

rating: ★★★★

From my first listen to the song at midnight when it was released, the lyricism has always been one of the biggest factors in why I think this song is so incredible. From the storytelling to the double meanings in the lyrics, the way the song flows is incredible and so drawing throughout every listen. Similarly, the style of the song is a different feel than many Kevin Atwater songs; however, the adjustment fits his style perfectly, as his vocals perfectly match the more extreme instrumental, putting emphasis on exactly what he is trying to portray. The song discusses the toxic relationship dynamic in such a moving way, showing that there is an escape from the horrors and that you have the power to take back what was taken from you.

In the beginning of the song, Kevin explains how in the relationship that he was in, implied with an older man while he was still underage, he understands that they should hide their relationship, as if they reveal it, they would get immediate backlash for the age differences. In the first chorus, he repeats the phrase “Once you’re free, then you’re mine,” meaning that once they are free from the ties of Kevin’s age, they are able to express their relationship freely. However, during the second verse, he immediately realizes the toxicity and dangers of the relationship, singing, “Spoke out loud, “I could kill you,” and I can/When I’m out of the cage you put me in.” He follows this with another iteration of the chorus, singing, “Once I’m free, then you’re mine.” With the change in lyric from “Once you’re free” to “Once I’m free,” Kevin changes the perspective from being once they’re free from the ties to his age to once he’s free from the relationship, he will do everything in his power to ruin the man’s life.

Overall, this song gets a five from me because of its beautiful lyricism, amazing instrumental, and shift in a new direction of music for Kevin in a fitting style that enhances his already incredible discography.

Find Kevin Atwater and “the cage” on Apple Music, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms!