ALBUM REVIEW: Daydream Explosion – The Dollyrots

Two years on from their last album Whiplash Splash, LA pop punk duo THE DOLLYROTS are set to release their ninth full length studio record Daydream Explosion. Bassist and vocalist Kelly Ogden and guitarist Luis Cabezas continue to go from strength to strength as they mark nearly two decades as a band since forming the band full time back in 2000.

Starting off the new record is Animal, which opens with a gentle riff before Ogden’s bass comes into play to up the tempo and rhythm, and her powerful vocal style is prominent throughout – instantly identifiable, it’s clear from the opening seconds that this is THE DOLLYROTS on fine form with their own unique style flowing throughout. The following track Everything is a touch heavier in comparison, and certainly has a bit of a throwback to the grunge scene of the late 90s/early 00s, when pop punk began to grow in popularity through bands like GREEN DAY – of whom there are echoes of in this particular track. Cabezas has a bit more vocal involvement in this one which adds a bit more atmosphere to the track, and from start to finish is a fine masterpiece of pop punk.

There are some differences to the overall sound though in some of the tracks, for example In Your Face which starts off much slower in comparison to the previous two and gives a much softer approach to THE DOLLYROTS style. Towards the climax though normal service is resumed and that pop punk aggression really comes across in the chorus. Daydream Explosion contains 14 songs, which may seem excessive in this day and age, but when you consider that each song is roughly around the 3 minute mark the time flies past from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a track that is filled with nostalgia of the pop punk scene, No Princess is certainly a song that has everything you want to hear and so much more from a pop punk anthem – simplistic but fairly heavy riffs, a catchy chorus and a good rhythm all the way through; but if you’re looking for something a little bit different, Flippy In My Red Dress is definitely worth a listen for so many reasons, without giving away any spoilers.

THE DOLLYROTS have been growing at a steady pace since their formation in 2000. Daydream Explosion is definitely an explosion of all of the best elements of pop punk, and the band continue to be fun and kickass – which is what it is all about.

Rating: 9/10

Daydream Explosion is set for release July 12th via Wicked Cool Records.

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