The self-titled fourth album from Dayglow, aka Sloan Struble, might be his most resonating album yet. With only ten tracks and a runtime of 34 minutes, the new album revisits Dayglow’s alternative roots while exploring a variety of deeper themes: everything from getting older to mental health challenges. This shift brings back the breezy, upbeat feel of his music while layering in introspective topics, providing a blend of catchy melodies with thoughtful reflection on life’s transitions and journeys.
Dayglow’s latest album feels like a refreshing return to the sound that first launched him into the spotlight. Moving away from the synth-heavy experimentation of “People In Motion,” which didn’t receive as much buzz as his earlier albums, this new release embraces the playful, carefree energy that made fans fall in love with Dayglow’s earlier work. The album’s first single, “Every Little Thing I Say I Do,” was also the first song written, with Dayglow himself saying it felt like he was returning to what his brand was supposed to feel like — reminiscent of his debut “Fuzzybrain.” I completely agree. This album feels like a natural continuation of “Fuzzybrain” in all the best ways, capturing the same happy-go-lucky vibe with a similar sound while discussing deeper topics with more mature lyrics.
Musically, the album utilizes the upbeat, sun-soaked melodies that have become a signature of Dayglow’s style, but this time with a more mature perspective. The production is crisp and bright, with catchy hooks and groovy basslines driving the songs. Where “People In Motion” leaned heavily on synthetic sounds, this album is much more organic and warm, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the electric guitar-forward sound of 2010s indie pop.
Lyrically, the album touches on nostalgic themes of growing up and reflecting on one’s past. It’s not trying to be too deep or overly poetic, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its universally resonant messages, to focus on the joy of life and look back at how far you’ve come, appreciating the moments that shaped the person you’ve become. The lyrics resonate with listeners, but they’re not weighed down by overly complicated poetry or elaborate metaphors. For example, in the lyric “’Cause time keeps moving on / It’s moving on without you,” from the third track, “Cocoon,” the artist touches on themes of change and feeling left behind, a sentiment that many can relate to, and delivers that message in a straightforward yet impactful way. It’s the kind of music that’s easy to listen to, while still providing listeners with emotional connection and relatability.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Nothing Ever Does!!!” which, to me, feels like the most vulnerable song on the record. It delves into an experience many listeners can relate to: a panic attack. The line, “If I wait for the noise to die down / And go home / Then I lose where the source of it is,” is especially powerful, capturing the chaotic tension in the artist’s mind. It reflects a deeper struggle, the chaos within your brain feeling necessary for creativity. The subtle messaging about the pressure to make music is profoundly deep, and how that can sometimes force artists into a bad headspace, as if only in those moments of turmoil can they produce something worth listening to and relatable. The outro is striking, with its repetitive stuttering and gasping, mimicking the overwhelming sensations of a panic attack, further driving home the intensity of the song’s message. This track adds a layer of emotional depth to the album, balancing out the fun, carefree vibe with a poignant reflection on mental health.
In the last track on the album, “Broken Bone,” Dayglow sings about wanting to fix his issues and start anew. He believes that he can endure all of the challenges that life may throw at him and still succeed. This track provides the perfect outro to the album, as Dayglow closes a chapter of his life and moves on to the next.
In the end, this album is a lot of fun with a touch of self-discovery. It’s lighthearted while staying meaningful, blending the energy that made Dayglow a beloved indie-pop act with a sense of growth and maturity. Fans of “Fuzzybrain” will find a lot to love here, as this album feels like a fitting follow-up to the musical journey Dayglow started with his debut, though there might have been a couple of detours in between the two. It’s a must-listen for anyone who is a fan of the indie-pop genre or simply enjoys a catchy tune.
