Review By Glen Parkes
Daily J’s Scatterbrains is an ode to self-made artistry, blending dreamy soundscapes with infectious, sun-drenched melodies. The New Zealand quintet—comprised of brothers Jayden, Jonny, and Jessie, alongside friends Cody and Rick—craft an album that feels like an endless summer. As their third self-released record, Scatterbrains solidifies the band’s reputation as independent visionaries, building on the success of their prior releases and a growing Spotify audience of over 500,000 monthly listeners.
From the first note, Scatterbrains envelops you in shimmering guitar riffs, warm basslines, and vocals that oscillate between tender introspection and euphoric release. The opening track, “Sunday Stitches,” sets the tone with its breezy rhythm and a nostalgic sense of longing. Their upcoming single “Cheap Tequila Sunrise” (out January 24th) is poised to become a fan favorite—a cocktail of hazy guitar tones and irresistibly catchy hooks that epitomize the band’s feel-good aesthetic.
Tracks like “Tastes Like Forever” and “Someone to Cry About” explore emotional complexity without sacrificing the buoyant energy that defines their sound. The former is a driving, upbeat anthem, while the latter slows things down for a heartfelt ballad, layered with delicate harmonies and lush instrumentation.
“Happy Slides” and “Go With The Flow” highlight the band’s ability to balance introspection with carefree vibes. The former brims with playful optimism, while the latter delivers a sprawling, six-minute journey of ebb and flow, mirroring its title.
The album’s closing tracks, “For Your Leisure” and “Roadie,” showcase Daily J’s ability to craft immersive musical experiences. These songs feel tailor-made for live settings, their climactic builds and sweeping soundscapes reminiscent of festival stages like SXSW Sydney and Laneway Festival, where the band has left lasting impressions.
Scatterbrains doesn’t just invite you to listen; it dares you to lose yourself in its vibrant world. This is Daily J at their most polished, confident, and ambitious—a must-listen for fans of modern indie-pop with a hint of retro charm. With nominations for Rolling Stone’s Best Single and critical acclaim from NME and Rolling Stone, this album might just catapult the band to new heights.
Tracklist:
- Sunday Stitches (03:02)
- Cheap Tequila Sunrise (03:41)
- Tastes Like Forever (03:42)
- Someone to Cry About (04:12)
- Happy Slides (03:14)
- Go With the Flow (04:46)
- Daydreamer (04:42)
- For Your Leisure (04:48)
- Roadie
Verdict:
Daily J’s Scatterbrains is the kind of record that turns casual listeners into lifelong fans. Perfect for soundtracking both lazy beach days and road trips, this is one February release you won’t want to miss.
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