In the world of indie rock, The Daytime High has emerged as a beacon of dynamic creativity with the release of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, The Daytime High. Officially launched on September 13, 2024, this collection of songs represents a fusion of introspection, powerful melodies, and a touch of dark humor. Recorded meticulously by the band at the Garudio in Thousand Oaks between 2022 and 2023, the album embodies the ethos of creating music that not only resonates with audiences but also stands the test of time.
The Daytime High is a Los Angeles-based trio composed of Micael Johansson on vocals and guitar, David James on vocals and guitar, and Rich Buckland on bass, keys, and programming. Formed at the end of 2022 after years of knowing one another, the group has taken their individual experiences and combined them to create a debut that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable.
The production of The Daytime High showcases a collaborative effort, with mixing duties primarily handled by Curt Piar alongside the band. The track “Melting,” however, stands out as it was mixed entirely by the members themselves, bringing a raw and unfiltered touch to this unique song. The album’s production focuses on giving each element room to breathe, resulting in a sound that is simultaneously expansive and intimate.
Recorded at the Garudio in Thousand Oaks, the album exudes an unmistakable warmth, likely owing to the band’s hands-on approach to the recording process. From the analog nuances of guitar riffs to the layered, evocative keys, the record is filled with organic textures that lend authenticity to its sound. The album balances polished professionalism with the charm of a DIY ethos, demonstrating that The Daytime High is both technically proficient and creatively adventurous.
At its core, The Daytime High aims to bring joy and introspection to all who listen. With themes of loss, existential musings, and a touch of dark humor, the album takes listeners on a journey that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The Daytime High doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy topics, but their approach is far from bleak. Instead, they infuse their songwriting with a wry smile, encouraging listeners to find moments of humor in the struggles and absurdities of life.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Micael Johansson explains the band’s approach to songwriting, noting, “Many of our songs deal with loss and universal existential themes, but we always write them with a large dose of humor.” It’s this approach that makes The Daytime High such an engaging listen—an album that can make you reflect on life’s deeper questions while still bringing a smile to your face.
Drawing inspiration from a wide array of legendary acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and Pink Floyd, The Daytime High blends classic influences with a modern sensibility. Their music is a tribute to these icons while still retaining a unique identity that is all their own. Tracks like “Reaper,” “Waterfall,” and “Pandemonium” are excellent examples of this fusion, each offering a different facet of the band’s sound and thematic exploration.
The album is driven by three lead singles, each of which captures a different aspect of The Daytime High’s artistic vision. “Reaper” is a powerful commentary on the climate crisis and the human condition. The song’s lyrics delve into the gravity of these topics with a sense of urgency, but not without the band’s signature dark humor. It’s a reminder of our collective responsibility but also a call to action that is oddly uplifting, leaving the listener feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed.
“Waterfall” explores themes of alienation and the struggle to find belonging in an increasingly disconnected world. It’s a song about charting one’s own path, even when that means not conforming to the expectations set by others. The combination of introspective lyrics and expansive instrumentals makes “Waterfall” one of the more poignant moments on the album, encapsulating the beauty and difficulty of forging one’s way.
“Pandemonium” shifts gears slightly, focusing on the desire to share life’s chaos with someone who understands. It’s a celebration of companionship amid the unpredictability of existence—a song that captures the thrill of taking risks and finding joy in the unexpected. The upbeat tempo and energetic guitar riffs make “Pandemonium” a standout track that’s as exhilarating as its subject matter.
One of the defining characteristics of The Daytime High is its balance between introspection and levity. While many of the tracks deal with weighty topics like loss, alienation, and existential dread, the band’s delivery is often accompanied by a wink and a nod. This combination allows the album to resonate deeply without ever feeling oppressive. Instead, it offers listeners a chance to confront difficult emotions with a sense of hope and a reminder that humor can be a powerful coping mechanism.
Rich Buckland’s contributions on bass, keys, and programming add another layer of depth to the record, with the instrumentation providing a rich backdrop for the vocals of Johansson and James. The interplay between guitars, the melodic basslines, and the thoughtful use of keys gives each song its own distinct character while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album. The production choices—such as the use of both analog and digital elements—further emphasize this cohesion, resulting in a sonic experience that feels both expansive and intimate.
The Daytime High’s journey to this debut album has been long in the making, but the result is well worth the wait. Having known each other for years before officially forming in 2022, the chemistry between the members is palpable. It’s this sense of camaraderie that makes The Daytime High feel so authentic—three friends navigating the complexities of life together, translating their experiences into music that speaks to the universal human experience.
Their eclectic influences—from the melodic mastery of The Beatles and The Kinks to the experimental flair of Pink Floyd—serve as a foundation upon which the band builds their sound. This isn’t an attempt to recreate the past; instead, The Daytime High uses these influences as a jumping-off point, blending them with their own perspectives to create something fresh yet familiar.
The overarching ethos behind The Daytime High is the creation of powerful, memorable songs that stand the test of time. It’s an album that seeks to resonate with listeners long after the music stops playing, offering moments of introspection, joy, and connection. With their debut release, The Daytime High has managed to craft a record that is both timeless and timely—an album that captures the spirit of classic rock while speaking to the concerns of the modern world.
As the band continues to evolve, one thing is clear: The Daytime High is here to stay. Their dedication to authenticity, both in their music and their message, sets them apart in a crowded musical landscape. By taking serious matters and approaching them with humor and warmth, The Daytime High invites listeners to take part in a shared journey—one that acknowledges the hardships of life while celebrating its joys.
The Daytime High is an album that offers more than just great music—it’s an experience. With themes that delve into loss, existential musings, and the resilience of the human spirit, all delivered with a touch of dark humor, The Daytime High has crafted a debut that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically captivating. Recorded with care and passion, and mixed to bring out every nuance, the album stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of human connection.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic rock or a newcomer looking for music that speaks to both heart and mind, The Daytime High is an album worth exploring. It’s a record that invites you to laugh, reflect, and lose yourself in its melodies—a true sonic journey from start to finish.
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