ALBUM REVIEW: Use The Daylight – Dealing With Damage

The members of London-based punk band DEALING WITH DAMAGE have been involved in the UK punk scene for a while, but this band is a fairly new project, with consistently fresh sounding songs. Use The Daylight is their second album, and while still retaining its punk roots, the sound blends in some pop-psych elements, and even has some hardcore influences. Compared to their debut, DEALING WITH DAMAGE are definitely introducing some more experimental elements to their songs but keeping their distinct style, and while the hype for the band is starting to build, this album could push that even further.

The opening track is both calming and meaningful, an immersive experience with gentle backing vocals and mostly upbeat lyrics, and listeners are eased into the album. As a quick contrast, and a glimpse into the different genres in the record, Walking Backwards Into The Future is a more intense, punk sounding song with gravelly vocals and harsh, but memorable lyrics. Upbeat guitars are introduced, with a driving drum beat that ends the track abruptly.

Instrument, clearly inspired by FUGAZI, has layered vocals that push it to sound really cool, and leads up to a rousing bridge. Many of the songs on Use The Daylight are really short, and while this often makes them punchy and impactful, it sometimes leaves us wishing they were longer, especially in Bigots Vs The Mad Professor. With heavier guitars and dark imagery, it’s a glimpse of that angry political punk that works really well, but ends abruptly. This happens again in Keep Moving, but in a gentle, melodic way, beginning and ending with a conversation about punk rock and sounding like a hypnotic chant.

We Make Bombs To Feel Safe is the lead single, and possibly the best song from the album. Starting with a relaxed instrumental but urgent, almost whispering vocals, the chorus is simple but surprisingly catchy. Another high point is First, They Ignore You, a punk anthem with powerful guitars and wavy instrumentals in contrast with each other, creating something really unique. Bringing the intensity back is John’s Gone, a light-hearted take on emotional honesty, and it feels like a breath of fresh air.

Continuing this honesty is Seek Shelter, with brutally political lyrics and urgent guitars. Something that makes this album stand out is its seemingly random elements, such as the violins on Liberez Wayne Kramer, bringing a new dimension. Closing the album is Sunset, bringing it full circle and ending the theme of daylight. Similar to the introduction, it is gentle but honest, and while it’s a big contrast to the rest of the album, it feels like a good note to end on.

While the use of many short songs can make the album feel a bit disjointed at times, it also means they are easily digestible, making its message stand stronger. DEALING WITH DAMAGE manage to keep their unique post-punk sound whilst also trying something new, and its variation makes Use The Daylight a really interesting listen.

Rating: 8/10

Use The Daylight is set for release on January 27th via Little Rocket Records.

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