Dayseeker "Dark Sun" Review
Dark Sun, the latest from Orange County-based rock outfit Dayseeker, is a pleasant amalgamation of several different sonic avenues, blended together in unique and unexpected ways to craft a hard-hitting and dynamic collection of songs. The album sees the band’s somber lyricism and powerful emotion conveyed behind a variety of sounds, with drop-tuned guitars and pounding drums finding themselves intertwined with electronic synths and subs, making for a diverse and exciting listen.
The album’s instrumentation does play into the band’s trademark blend of post-hardcore and alternative, while simultaneously incorporating R&B and hip-hop influence in a way that never feels forced or distracting. Opening track “Dreamstate” demonstrates this perfectly, beginning with sparse production that is largely focused on synths and electronic pads, swiftly and suddenly exploding into a guitar-driven instrumental, and ultimately marrying both of these styles together for the rest of the song. Songs such as “Homesick” and “Midnight Eternal” lean even further into the realm of pop and R&B, with synths and keys taking center stage, the guitar serving as a secondary color throughout a bulk of these tracks, live drums intersected with electronic programming, even incorporating EDM-influenced vocal and bass effects. In the midst of these electronic-focused songs, the band does not sideline their ability to nail heavy live instrumentation, with songs like early single “Neon Grave” containing hard-hitting riffs and moments of chaos and panic amidst a late breakdown section, cruising back into the song’s soaring chorus briefly before returning to a riff-heavy conclusion.
Vocalist Rory Rodriguez’s performances are an absolute standout throughout the entire record, with a tone that adapts to the song no matter the musical choices surrounding it. Smooth and controlled amidst the softer, more sultry moments but powerful and bold when hovering over the heavy impacts of loud and distorted guitars and slamming drums. The versatility and range demonstrated by Rodriguez is truly impressive. From the aggression and power heard on “Neon Grave,” dealing with the passing of his father, to the sweet and delicate optimism of “Afterglow (Hazel’s Song)” written for his daughter, Rodriguez clearly articulates an intense range of emotions communicated both in his lyrics and his delivery.
Dark Sun is without a doubt an evolution for Dayseeker. They have pulled from an eccentric pack of musical influences, written about a wide array of topics, and found a way to convincingly and enticingly consolidate all of these into an album that feels cohesive, unique, and powerful.
8/10
