ALBUM REVIEW: Sleeptalk – Dayseeker

In some regards, it almost feels as though DAYSEEKER were formed with the sole purpose of kickstarting an evolution in alternative music. Born into familiar and comfortable post hardcore/metalcore territory, they have slogged away and slaved to find themselves in a real position of power, becoming a focal point in the scene throughout the process. They are set to release their fourth LP Sleeptalk, a record that demands attention. This is the Californians clearing their throats and screaming from the rooftops. They have arrived, and we all ought to pay attention.

Undeniably, one of the band’s main assets has always been the incredible vocal work of Rory Rodriguez. Worthy of going toe to toe with any chart topping vocalist, his talent is a unique selling point. In this outing, screams are less frequent and he feels much more at liberty, finally allowed to fully open the taps and show his true capability. From the very first track Drunk we are given a real feeling of catharsis, dragged along through an emotive telling of Rory‘s father’s struggles with cancer and Parkinson’s. It all feels very fresh, and immediately we understand that DAYSEEKER have completely reinvented themselves.

This is most evident in how the music is presented. The metalcore-isms are still there, as drums thud and breakdowns sweep across swathes of the record, but this is toned down and much more pop influence intervenes; hand in hand with 80’s style synth. This is a result of the band’s feel-no-fear approach, having been unafraid to jump clear of expectations and re-imagine their sound in the most innate possible manner. Having said that, Crooked Soul feels quite close to the heavier DAYSEEKER of old, before Burial Plot changes tact and starts out much more reserved. Here we can indulge in a lush soundscape, grasping at our chests as Rory continues the impassioned themes.

As we reach the title track Sleeptalk, the synthwave influence becomes more apparent. Rory cites bands like THE MIDNIGHT for inspiration, and the ambient nature of such classic pop sits snugly like a blanket upon rockier drumming and grating guitar. The Embers Glow acts as a neat sonic bridge into The Color Black, where Rory continues to push his vocal range and progressive metalcore riffs punch through the veil of synth. It’s heavy, in the same vein as an ARCHITECTS track. It isn’t overbearing, and flows organically.

This variety gives the album life. From the acoustic backed Already Numb to the double kick onslaught of Gates Of Ivory, DAYSEEKER are dead set on proving their versatility. The contrast is stark, and has been afforded the execution to match. There is no doubting that such a progression will be divisive amongst fans (such is often the way in these situations), but looking at Sleeptalk from the outside is a pleasurable experience. Starving To Be Empty and Crash and Burn conclude proceedings in what is now typical style, flickering between a soft then a more raucous approach, closing the lid on a well balanced record.

Whether or not DAYSEEKER will quite reinvent the genre remains to be seen, but they have certainly reinvented themselves. Sleeptalk is the album that will drive their career forwards, and sees them step out of a pigeon hole and into the light.

Rating: 8/10

Sleeptalk is out now via Spinefarm Records. 

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