New Zealand indie rock band Daily J is back with their third record, “Scatterbrains,” a collection of jangly indie pop woven from nostalgic boomers that strike that perfect tone for daydreamy escapism without losing the pounding need to dance.
At just over 36 minutes, “Scatterbrains” plays out like a cottony daydream, buoyed by breezy melodies and infectious hooks that seem tailor-made for the golden glow of late afternoons. From the opening track, “Sunday Stitches,” it’s evident that Daily J has mastered a kind of songcraft that washes over you like warm ocean waves. Simple but glittering in execution, the track immediately establishes the album’s easygoing yet immersive vibe.
The singles “Cheap Tequila Sunrise,” “Tastes Like Forever,” and “Happy Slides” add an irresistible warmth to the album, fusing jangly guitar riffs with the band’s buttery, chilled-out energy. Each song has a mellifluous ease, forming an effortless backdrop to long road trips and lazy hours.At the center of “Scatterbrains” is the band’s undeniable chemistry and the steady hand of Joe Faris, the New Zealand-based songwriter and producer who helped to bottle the essence of Daily J’s sun-soaked sound. The album doesn’t try to reinvent their big bass drums and scattershot rhythms but does refine them, delivering a cohesive, immersive experience that feels timeless, not predictable.
Tracks such as “For Your Leisure” and “Go With The Flow” are highlights, possessing a near-hypnotic groove that feels familiar and fresh. And then there are “Someone to Cry About” and “Daydreamer,” which provide moments of quiet reflection that highlight the group’s ability to offset their catchy energy with poignant lyricism.
With “Roadie,” the album winds down sedately, an appropriate ending that allows a listener to fade into a state of serene pleasure, appropriately prepared for warm summer nights. With “Scatterbrains,” Daily J delivers a feeling of freedom, nostalgia, and effortlessly cool.
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