Daisy
(Interscope Records)
Reviewed by Ryan Pangilinan
Tagged 2009 alternative rock brand new emo indie rock interscope records modest mouse morrissey new york bands nirvana punk rock rock
What can be said about Brand New that hasn't already said? Their loyal fanbase is the subject of repeated criticisms from scene stalwarts -– the kids who demand another
Your Favorite Weapon or
Deja Entendu are often thrown under the bus, while people who praise the band for their hiccuped direction are lambasted for encouraging primary songwriter and vocalist, Jesse Lacey, to -- as one magazine that shall remain nameless put it -- "[rip off] Morrissey."
At the end of the day, however, Brand New is still a band that puts out records as part of their day job, and for their fourth studio effort,
Daisy, they again shake the proverbial sheets with guitarist Vin Accardi as the primary songwriter. The result is a caustic album that easily wears its influences on its (record) sleeve.
Songs like "Bed," "Vices," and "Gasoline" are indebted to Modest Mouse and Nirvana, respectively, while "You Stole" and "Bought A Bride" are as Brand New-y as the record will get.
The band, which got their start in the Long Island hardcore scene, scream more on this record than any other one, yet make no mistake; this is definitely a guitar geek's album du jour. As slapped together and jagged as songs like "Noro" are, listening to the record a few times, you can definitely tell that many of
Daisy's isms -- whether they're guitar solos that continue to rip through basic scales, stuttered vocals, or panned drum tracks -- are all there on purpose.
What's best about the record and the band is that they continue to do what they need to keep the band alive and to challenge listeners. There's not a doubt that Brand New will gain and lose listeners, and it's not that kids "don't get it." People grow up and grow out of themselves.
Daisy might not be for everyone, but it is one hell of an album.
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