Reviews

New Album – “Scatterbrains” – Daily J

As we shiver through another six weeks of winter (thanks Punxsutawney Phil!), New Zealand indie-pop quartet Daily J are here to brighten up our days with their sophomore studio record. Scatterbrains is full of bouncy energetic tracks with memorable riffs and catchy choruses. The lyrics, however, cover a mix of moods and emotions as reflected in the album title:

The title Scatterbrains reflect that contrast, with songs that range from happy to sad, inquisitive to outright mad. It’s a rollercoaster of feeling, and we hope it resonates with our listeners in a real and relatable way.”

Producer Joe Faris was at the helm of the album, working with Daily J in the evolution of their sound from their debut album Venus Ate Mars with the hit song “Left Me Like Summer” to the new energy of today’s release. Still harnessing Daily J’s signature sound of vibrant surf guitar riffs and lush harmonies, Scatterbrains delves into some moments of darker and more ethereal undertones, with introspective lyrics exploring themes of disconnection, self-reflection, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Opener “Sunday Stitches” encapsulates this difference with its breezy whistling tune contrasting with the subject matter of dread as the work week gets ever closer. Recent single “Cheap Tequila Sunrise” has a guitar riff that will be stuck in your head all day while the more introspective “Someone To Cry About” has a more laid back of feel with a sax solo for good measure.

At nine tracks, the album rattles along with indie-pop gems like “Happy Slides” and “Daydreamer” while “Roadie” starts with a strummed acoustic but builds to an anthemic guitar solo to close out the record.

To celebrate the album, Daily J are heading on their biggest Australasian tour to date. Performing at Wellington’s San Fran on Friday, March 21 and culminating in their largest-ever Auckland performance The Powerstation on Friday March 28, the upcoming tour will give fans an unforgettable night as the band showcase Scatterbrains live for the first time.

Daily J is made up of three brothers JaydenJonny and Jesse Paul and their good mate Rick Everard. The band has a hard-earned reputation as one of New Zealand music’s most successful exports, with tens of millions of streams across platforms and sold-out tours across countries.

You can find out more about Daily J by visiting their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest news.

Feature Image Credit – Ethan Allerby

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