Most of the songs on Days work around a similar scaffolding of brisk drums, gentle circulating guitar work and Martin Courtney’s effortless vocals floating along in the simple summery sounds. First single off the new album is It’s Real, which features a precise, yet slightly surf-inspired guitar riff bouncing along with Courtney, Bleeker and Mondanile’s harmonious “Oohs”. Wonder Years is subtly Kurt Vile-esque; an acoustic guitar jangles along, while an undulating metallic riff wanders in and out of the dust. All the Same leaves the listener with an upbeat and almost danceable pop song, however at seven minutes long, it works towards more of a lasting impression rather than inciting a desire to move. The song slows down and drifts along as if reaching out towards a sunset; far away acoustic guitar and undulating drums work together to create a wistful ending.
Days isn’t attention-seeking and while it is an album that is hard to concentrate on (and consequentially difficult to review), multiple listens are easy while it is floating around in the background. The tracks can be hard to differentiate and remember as individuals; however as a body of work it does well to create a sense of nostalgia, creating shimmering imagery of summers by the pool.
BY ALEXANDRA DUGUID
