|
| |
|
|
|
Review Summary: Where do we go from here? Try to imagine the feeling of being a doctor, and not being able to save a patient’s life despite your best efforts. Then picture yourself having to explain the tragic outcome to that patient’s family and seeing the look of unmistakable pain in their eyes. It’s quite a depressing subject to even think about, yet emo/alt rockers Daisyhead tackle these kinds of dark questions with confidence on their debut full length The Smallest Light. The result is an album that will keep you pondering long after it’s over, but most importantly, the album is a reminder that you’re not alone. We all have our own personal fears and insecurities, and many of them are likely to be staring back at us in The Smallest Light.
So you already know that Daisyhead’s debut has a handful of thought provoking lyrics, but what about the band’s sound? Well, it’s not a whole lot different than listening to their peers Balance and Composure or Citizen. Guitars that range from delicate and lightly distorted to punchy? Check. Carefully placed screamed vocals? Check. An emotionally charged singer? Check. However, what they may lack in originality they make up for with their bare and honest approach to songwriting. Many bands don’t even attempt to look at topics like death and suicide through a magnifying lens, but Daisyhead aren’t afraid to venture into such territory. In fact, they always seem to take it a step further than their contemporaries, even asking a suicide victim if they’re at peace now that they’re gone on the poignant ‘Neck.’ Other songs like ‘East Bend’ find the singer questioning his own self worth as he asks his parents if they’re happy with the way he turned out. Some of these themes will likely strike a larger chord with some than others, but to say there’s a lot of substance to be found within the layers of The Smallest Light would be an understatement.
Essentially, The Smallest Light is a shoulder to lean on in rough times. As disheartening as some of the subject matter is, the band always incorporates just enough energy to keep things interesting, yet not so much as to take away from the powerful message they are trying to convey. There’s just a sense that Daisyhead genuinely care about the music they’re making, and it keeps “The Smallest Light” feeling fresh despite not always reaching the greatest heights musically. Don’t get me wrong, they’re a talented group of musicians, but it’s often the lyrics that act as the strongest selling point on the band’s debut. Has this sound been done before? Yes… but I’m not too sure it’s ever been done with quite this level of conviction. The Smallest Light is one of the first truly meaningful albums of 2015, and a welcome reminder that despite life’s bleakest circumstances, we’re not alone.
| trending all genres albums |
|
http://dyingscene.com/news/daisyhead-streams-latest-album-the-smallest-light-in-full/
if anyone has an issue with the stream like I did, the entire thing is also on Spotify. This is my first review in almost 3 months so constructive crits are most welcome. Hope some of you guys enjoy this as much as me!
| | |
woo an atari review c:
love that opening/last line
| | |
thanks man, any suggestions? surely there's some rust showing haha
| | |
i can give it a more thorough read through in a bit. only thing that caught my eye was:
"despite not always reaching the greatest heights musically. Don’t get me wrong, they’re a talented group of musicians, but it’s often the lyrics that act as the strongest selling point on the band’s debut"
this sounds apologetic, and also interrupts the wonderful flow of the last paragraph. maybe mention this detail earlier on so the end of the review can be more of a positive overview of the album, itll be more impactful that way i think
| | |
(edit: fixed)
| | |
Very nice man, loving it. Need to check this album. Will provide feedback tonight when I get off work.
| | |
....
| | |
jfc, triple post.
| | |
haha sounds good Mark, no rush ;)
thanks for the criticisms too guys. @Ins, I'll try to fix that up later and make it flow better.
@Johnny, hmmm yeah i can see how some might find those statements contradictory. When I said they tackled these issues headfirst i wasn't trying to imply that they weren't thinking, but rather they weren't sugarcoating the subjects or dancing around them. I'll try to come up with a better way to word it. thanks for taking the time to read it!
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Dig the review. Also, really digging this album. Didn't really see it coming, then stumbled upon the album artwork and figured I would give it a spin, very happy I did.
| | | Album Rating: 3.7
Was actually thinking about reviewing this myself, but am kinda glad that someone beat me to it. Nice return Atari.
| | |
Really good review, Aaron. I can't really see anything I'd change in this review, honestly.
| | |
@mazalthan, thanks man glad u like the album!
@mark, you're too kind, cheers buddy
@DaveyBoy, would love to see a review from you for this if u still feel up to it ;) so what are your thoughts on this album anyways, you dig?
| | | Album Rating: 3.7
See how we go, but it's not exactly my specialty genre in a sense. It reminds me of some 90s alt-rock with emo & shoegaze thrown into the mix. I also get a Balance & Composure type of vibe.
I've only listened to it once all the way through, so won't comment on how much I like it just yet.
| | |
Atari lives. Nice write-up per usual.
| | |
Thanks Sowing, means a lot coming from you
@Davey, yeah I can definitely sense a balance and composure vibe as well. This was pretty much my most anticipated album for 2015 so that explains why I've already listened to it a bunch haha
| | |
Featured, sweet!
| | |
only because i shamelessly asked them to lol. i just want more people to listen to this band
| | |
I don't really think the Have Mercy comparison fits, Daisyhead sounds much less melody driven and have a fuzzier/thicker sound, mmuch more in the vein of Superheaven. Overall you could've tried to describe the sound in other ways than just "this has been done before", but it's alright. Other than that I have nothing to complain about ;)
| | |
thanks for the feedback man. I actually haven't heard Superheaven. do you think balance and composure would be a better comparison? and i'll try to think of some more ways to describe their sound and sneak it into the revew if i can
| | | |
|
| |
