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With a cover strongly reminiscent of a classic Ride album, Fredericksburg’s Static Daydream are about to release their first full length album, which is concurrently on Saint Marie and Moon Sounds Records. Paul Baker (Skywave/Ceremony) and his girlfriend Jamie Casey have concocted a massive sounding release full of hooks and tons of feedback, just what you would expect from someone with Paul’s sonic pedigree. The album was mixed and mastered at the Ice Station with Jake Reid of Screen Vinyl Image, who also sings and plays guitar on one of the album’s standout tracks, “When I Turn Around You’re Gone”. I love the way the bass punches through on that track, holding the snarling guitars at bay. It is classic shoegaze with a heart full of dark wave, marrying heavily reverbed vocals with an almost post punk sensibility. Can anyone say single? There is also the towering, fuzzed out tune, “The Only One” with gnarly hooks you can hang a hat on, definitely a firm favorite with this listener. I think it’s no accident that these two songs are sequenced together, just marvelous examples of this genre! Opening track “More Than Today” surfs the JAMC wave with a bit of vintage, 60s girl group in the vocals. Jamie provides a sweet counterpoint to Paul’s equally pretty vocals; they mesh together seamlessly.
“Nowhere to Hide” also cranks it to 11 and throws down a classic shoegaze vibe with throbbing bass and maxed out guitar. “Run Into the Night” is a massive sounding tune in the same vein as the great “The Only One”, and I can only imagine how loud it was during the recording process. Yet, Paul and Jamie temper the towering melodies with lovely, reverbed harmonies. “Blue Tambourine Girl” is more in the vein of Paul’s former life in Skywave, and it’s all you can expect from this type of beautiful noise. “Just Stay” bobs more slowly, like a bird riding the waves on a perfect summer day. The tripped out guitar is just the icing on a many layered cake. “Until You’re Mine” is all about disquiet and uncertainty. It starts off at breakneck speed, and then morphs into hazy dream pop toward the middle of the song.
There are glimmers of hope even in the darkest night, as evidenced by ”Another Rainy Day Without You”. “When She Falls” has moody, expressive guitar, while “I’ve Destroyed Everything” is excellent post punk with guitar heavily reminiscent of Chameleons UK! Jamie and Paul deal their listeners quite the hand of sonic jewels, and fans will be extremely satisfied with this great debut.
Pre-order the album (out on August 28th) here.
Visit the band’s Facebook page or their Soundcloud page.
