Run For Cover Records have struck again with this solid release from recent signing DAYLIGHT. Very much on trend with their thoughtful, melancholy basement punk, this four piece from Pennsylvania kick things off with a promising four track EP available to stream for free or download for buttons on their bandcamp page.
Opener ‘On The Way To Dads’ is a scuzzed up teenage melodrama that contains a big rolling breakdown riff and strong call and response chorus, and should quickly become a live favourite – its earthy guitar tones and rumbling bass set the score for much of the rest of the EP.
‘Damp’ is a heavier offering with an insanely catchy dance-beat rhythm guitar hook, almost verging on the kind of moody, powerful rock that bands like DEFTONES and TOOL specialise in – though lacking a little the technical prowess despite the rustic charm. Dark closing track ‘In My Dreams’ is the definite highlight on the EP – it’s a sad and slow ascent that builds into edge-of-your-seat tension before delivering the goods with its rewarding repeated chorus.
Shades of BRAND NEW are evident throughout the EP, and the band have definite similarities to contemporaries BASEMENT. Some of the technical lead guitar work also draws comparisons to ‘Identity Crisis’ era THRICE, and there’s a roughness and melody about the vocals that fans of new-blood UK hardcore band SCOUTS will enjoy.
This is a promising and enjoyable EP that will undoubtedly stir some interest, but doesn’t do a great deal to distinguish the band from the current raft of bands floating our way from across the pond.
JAMIE OTSA