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If you are a Brand New fan it’s more than likely that you were (and still are) completely obsessed with The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me (TDAGARIM) released in 2006. Let’s be serious, the album was an instant classic, and solidified what would continue to be a committal love affair with any and every future release put out by the band.

It seems like ions ago that TDAGARIM came out (why does Brand New always like to keep us hanging like that?) and in a way it has been. Three years later, Brand New has delivered what has to be one of the year’s most anticipated albums, Daisy. So the answer to the long awaited question is here. Was it worth the wait?

Well, sort of. I think it’s safe to say that fans of Brand New’s 2006 masterpiece will enjoy Daisy (it’s the kind of album that will grow on you – no pun intended), but Brand New alumni will probably be a little disappointed (I’m talking about the Deja Entendu 2003 crowd). It’s okay. It happens. Remember Radiohead’s Kid A? Exactly. So while you may not get the follow-up album you were hoping for, there is still some pretty good stuff here my fellow Brand Newers.

In 2003, Deja Entendu was the perfect showcase of Jesse Lacey’s vocals. The lyrics that lined that album were super impressive and totally creative. The album was definitely and undoubtedly a step up from Your Favorite Weapon (released in 2001). Daisy is the same sort of thing. While it may not rise to your “most played” list or seep into your brain until you are subconsciously repeating the album in your head, it does show maturity and even exhibits a little risk-taking. The band has been around for over a decade, so maturity is vital, even if the old Brand New was so freakin’ awesome. I know, it’s sad (tear).

The kick-off track “Vices” takes some getting used to. The voice that comes out of the speakers is not one that you may be familiar with, followed up by an abrupt (and almost scary) screaming-with-the-instruments kind of edge (if you know what I mean). But, it works. Give it a chance. The first single, “At the Bottom” is definitely not the album’s best, but then again when are singles ever the be all end all of albums? Right. Need I say more?

There is no one track that you will find yourself going to again and again (at least I haven’t yet) but that doesn’t mean the album isn’t going to rock the 2009 roster. Songs like “Bed” and “Daisy” add a deep and dark layer to the album (even though the lyrics may not be what we are used to). Others like “Gasoline” display Lacey’s (badass) screamo capability while songs like “You Stole” welcome listeners to meet a more melodic Brand New.

So while Daisy may not be the 2009 equivalent of Deja Entendu, forty minutes of Brand New is better than no Brand New at all… and no one wants that.

Tags: album reviews, brand new, music

Posted on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 2:35 pm by Alica and is filed under Music & Videos.

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