Modern life moves at a relentless pace – from the constant barrage of news headlines to the demands of daily routine, all too often, it can be overwhelming. While there’s no easy fix, Daily J’s second album, Scatterbrains, offers a temporary antidote. Drenched in the sounds of summer and nostalgia, Scatterbrains is a much-needed escape to a better time.
At its core, Scatterbrains is steeped in nostalgia. Take opener ‘Sunday Stitches’, for example. With its whistling intro, vocalist Jayden’s laid-back vocals, and a thumping bassline, it feels straight out of early 2010s radio pop, in the best possible way. The track is comfortingly familiar, but its melody and energy keep it from feeling stale. Elsewhere, ‘Go With the Flow’ leans into the same nostalgia, drawing from the likes of Cage the Elephant or Circa Waves. With a blissful chorus of “Walking on the bright side of life” and shimmering synths, it’s the sonic embodiment of a carefree summer afternoon.
This euphoria is constant throughout the album
If ‘Go With The Flow’ is reminiscent of a scorching summer day, then ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’ is the captures the thrill of a hazy summer night. Electrifying guitars and pulsating bass give the track a slight edge, all while Jayden’s soaring vocals ride atop a bouyant, sun-soaked arrangment. It’s a track made for festival stages, radiating pure, unadulterated bliss.
At just nine tracks, Scatterbrains never overstays its welcome, but in that short span, it whisks you away
This euphoria is constant throughout the album, whether it be in the swelling pre-choruses in ‘Daydreamer’, which erupt in a Springsteen-sized chorus or, indeed, ‘Roadie’ the album’s closer. ‘Roadie’ opens with deceptively calm acoustic guitar chords before launching into a powerhouse of an electric guitar solo that demands to be played live.
Despite its overall breezy, feel-good atmosphere, Scatterbrains remains surprisingly dynamic. The towering choruses of ‘Daydreamer’ ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’ contrast beautifully with the Beatles-esque dreaminess of ‘Tastes Like Forever’ or the groove of ‘For Your Leisure’.
Equally, there are also moments for introspection. The jazzy tones and saxophone solo of ‘Someone To Cry About’ make it perhaps the most mature track on the album as they wonder, “Hope there’s someone to cry about”.
At just nine tracks, Scatterbrains never overstays its welcome, but in that short span, it whisks you away, if only for a moment, to a time where life felt lighter, freer, and just a tad bit easier.
Recommended listening: ‘Cheap Tequila Sunrise’
Scatterbrains is out February 21st.
Words: Sophie Flint Vázquez
TrueStyleMusic 