Brand New - Daisy

Rating

single starsingle starsingle starsingle starhalf star

RIYL

Modest Mouse
mewithoutYou
Manchester Orchestra

Release Date

09/22/2009

Label

Interscope

Tracklist

1. Vices
2. Bed
3. At the Bottom
4. Gasoline
5. You Stole
6. Be Gone
7. Sink
8. Bought a Bride
9. Daisy
10. In a Jar
11. Noro

Users Rating

single starsingle starsingle starsingle star
26 ratings

Your Rating

Create an account or log in to rate this album

Recent Ratings

There has been a copious amount of anticipation hovering over the latest release from the Long Island, New York quartet known as Brand New. Many readers on Decoy, along with most fans of the band, couldn’t bear to wait until the release date. They have been spinning their new disc since it leaked so the discussion started well before its release. Well, in this reviewer’s opinion, Brand New has succeeded yet again in making a stellar release that will have us all talking until next year.

The band themselves didn’t do anything to ease the pain of waiting. While the space between releases was only three years from their last effort to now, anxiety grew as they released a single from the album titled “At the Bottom”. Before that frontman Jesse Lacey began performing “Bought a Bride” at his solo shows, and the full band revealed the track “Gasoline” during a few of their live shows over the past year. These songs all led in different directions as to where the band might have been going musically, so imaginations ran wild as to what the final product would sound like. The time is here, and what has been revealed is the heaviest, darkest, and most thrilling album released by Brand New.

“Vices”, the opening track, sets the tone for what is to come for the next 40 minutes. Increasing the anxiety, the first minute and a half is consumed by an old haunting church hymn from the 1960s, until the band roars through with canon-like blasts as Lacey shrieks, “We need vices.” His screams have more fervor and more rage than ever before. The song was created by Lacey and a bass guitar, which takes the reigns as rest of the band fills in the fuzz. Guitarist Vin Accardi even adds his lyrical talents to the album, while Lacey sings them as if they were his own. Accardi’s lyrics very closely mirror what Lacey usually writes, which may catch many off guard as they reveal that Accardi appears just as tortured as Lacey seems to be.

“Gasoline”, a song written entirely by Accadi, switches from punk to post-rock rapidly as they urgently warn us all of the plague. It’s a song unlike most Brand New songs as it is more frantic than anything found on its predecessor, The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me. Most of these songs will seem uncharacteristic of the band, mainly from a person who is not an avid fan, as almost all of the songs seem to stray further away from the Brand New we all knew from Your Favorite Weapon, or even Deja Entendu.

The album feels as though it has been cursed with songs like the death-tinged “At the Bottom”, a song that screams Modest Mouse as the opening guitar line is filled with a distinctive twang Issac Brock could identify with. They are able to adapt such a style while bringing their own distinct sound found in noise addled effects and more aggressive drumming from Brian Lane. The band doesn’t seem to hold back from letting their influences be clearly represented in their music as you can feel mewithoutYou styled compositions here and there as well.

Songs like “Sink” recalls “Torches Together” off of mewithoutYou’s Catch Us For the Foxes, but again Brand New makes it their own as they explode into the chorus, raising the volume yet another time as Lacey screams, “If you go then I’m coming to get you.” Most of the songs hold this same sort of characteristic as they erupt into noisy mayhem, pushing your ears’ limits. That aside, they still know how to make a bone-chilling melancholic tune every now and then.

Right after the raucous “Vices”, slowly creeping along is the nocturnal “Bed” where Lacey expresses his discomfort with a relationship. His sinister whisper is almost as threatening as it is calming. “You Stole” is a grower as it ascends to a monumental climax, making it one the best songs on the album as Lacey knowingly croons, “So if I’m a liar / and you’re a thief / at least we both know where the other one sleeps / so let’s end this tonight.”

With Brand New’s Daisy, it is musical progression at its finest. Anyone who plans on listening to the band for the first time, this would never be the album to start off with. Most devoted fans have grown up alongside the band, able to see where they left off and how each album after the other is a continuation with some, at times drastic, changes being made. Being one of the most alienating releases yet, it will be a rare occurrence for these guys to gain a new audience which begs the question, how in the hell are they still on Interscope? Frankly, Brand New doesn’t really seem to give a shit what you think, and, honestly, that's no doubt what helps lead to such a spectacular album.

--Andrew Beam

Author

happyknappy11
Last updated: 09/29/2009 09:04PM

Comments

Curtis B.
09/21/2009
08:44AM
Age: 29
Location
Milwaukee, WI

Great reveiw.  This is going to be my album of the year.  I love how your last paragraph summarizes Brand New's existance... They do what they want to do and really don't care about anything else.  That leads to a loyal fan base, but it's not helping them get radio play or new fans.  And I am pretty happy with that, as long as they keep making music.

Nicholas Fritz
09/21/2009
10:35AM
Age: 29
Location
Coopersburg, PA

I've only listened to this a few times so far and I'd put it at a 3.5-4.0 right now. I like the more aggressive sound, and it's to see that they are making the music they want to even when they're on a major label. In the interview posted on here the other day, Lacey admitted the new album is a digression rather than progression so at least they're aware of what they're doing.

JohnnyL
09/21/2009
11:00AM
Age: 30
Location
Columbus, Ohio

I've been a huge fan since their very early days...I've thought each album has grown and matured, but this is a pile of crap.

Recommending: Anberlin, Interpol, Chamberlain, House of Heroes

happyknappy11
09/21/2009
11:01AM
Location
Somewhere in New York
Nicholas Fritz

I've only listened to this a few times so far and I'd put it at a 3.5-4.0 right now. I like the more aggressive sound, and it's to see that they are making the music they want to even when they're on a major label. In the interview posted on here the other day, Lacey admitted the new album is a digression rather than progression so at least they're aware of what they're doing.

I read that interview, and as much as it maybe a digression because I remember the interview in Spin that he felt the song "Shower Scene" could fit in on this album, I still think there is a musical progression to the point they have explored and experimented with their instruments more than they ever have

"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross

Nicholas Fritz
09/21/2009
11:57AM
Age: 29
Location
Coopersburg, PA

Oh yeah, definitely, as musicians they keep growing with every release but I think he's talking about their overall sound now being more raw; less concerned with being musical and more focused on writing songs that are fun to play live. When bands like this get older and jump to major labels, they tend to get stuck in the state of mind that they have to have these crazy song structures or intricate melodies in order to progress so it's a nice change of pace for this band to go the opposite direction and just rock.

xRinox
09/21/2009
12:09PM
Age: 31
Location
San Borja, Lima, Perú

Never got to like Brand New's music, until now.. which is an acceptable like, not totally sold, but it's a welcome and nice listen.

kenced
09/21/2009
12:19PM
Age: 22
Location
Dallas, TX

Ive been a big fan of Brand New and every one of their releases so far and even though I enjoy this album, I just can't help feeling a bit underwhelmed by it. As if I felt disappointed that I was going to have to wait a long time again for a new one, instead of thinking I could enjoy this one for a while more.

thetsaiguy
09/21/2009
01:48PM
Location
San Jose, CA

This is amazing.  Either you get it or you don't.  I think the people who don't "get it" tend to want another catchy, accessible album like their other ones were.  They want something they can run to, or sing along too, but the fact is, Daisy goes so much deeper than that.  It's an album that's all about emotion and feeling.  The music, when standing alone, is pretty average.  But there's that energy and fury behind the screams and the vocals that channel this, just... disappointment and dissatisfaction in life that makes it so great.  It's a "hipster release," really.  Not everybody will see it as amazing.

I used to not like Brand New so much, but this album blew me away.

last.fm/user/thetsaiguy

xtakesthesquare
09/21/2009
03:00PM
Location
New Jersey

I love their stylistic progression, but Daisy is really lacking in substance compared to their last 2 1/2 full lengths (devil and god demos = 1/2). The album as a whole is too short and too few songs end up standing out. I still like it but it just doesn't compare to what they've done in the past.

when i see it in your eyes
i just want to go blind

BlakeW
09/21/2009
03:39PM
Location
Oklahoma
Matthew Tsai

This is amazing.  Either you get it or you don't.  I think the people who don't "get it" tend to want another catchy, accessible album like their other ones were.  They want something they can run to, or sing along too, but the fact is, Daisy goes so much deeper than that.  It's an album that's all about emotion and feeling.  The music, when standing alone, is pretty average.  But there's that energy and fury behind the screams and the vocals that channel this, just... disappointment and dissatisfaction in life that makes it so great.  It's a "hipster release," really.  Not everybody will see it as amazing.

I used to not like Brand New so much, but this album blew me away.

I find it odd that you love this album, but didn't care for TDAG.  Basically everything you said about this record could be applied to that one, in my opinion. 

I think what really carries TDAG above Daisy, for me, are the lyrics.  Jesse > Vin, and it surprises me that people seem to be putting the two on an equal plane, simply because the subject matter and tone are similiar. 

thetsaiguy
09/21/2009
03:58PM
Location
San Jose, CA
BlakeW
Matthew Tsai

This is amazing.  Either you get it or you don't.  I think the people who don't "get it" tend to want another catchy, accessible album like their other ones were.  They want something they can run to, or sing along too, but the fact is, Daisy goes so much deeper than that.  It's an album that's all about emotion and feeling.  The music, when standing alone, is pretty average.  But there's that energy and fury behind the screams and the vocals that channel this, just... disappointment and dissatisfaction in life that makes it so great.  It's a "hipster release," really.  Not everybody will see it as amazing.

I used to not like Brand New so much, but this album blew me away.

I find it odd that you love this album, but didn't care for TDAG.  Basically everything you said about this record could be applied to that one, in my opinion. 

I think what really carries TDAG above Daisy, for me, are the lyrics.  Jesse > Vin, and it surprises me that people seem to be putting the two on an equal plane, simply because the subject matter and tone are similiar. 

I actually thought TDAG was decent, but I don't feel it reaches the level Daisy does.

last.fm/user/thetsaiguy

jamoncito
09/21/2009
10:45PM
Age: 23
Location
Los Angeles

I love Brand New and know every word to all of the other releases (considering this band and the rabidity if it's fan base, not an unusual occurrence by any means) but this album didn't just let me down, I found myself annoyed by nearly every second.

I can't stand this album in any caliber and it will definitely be receiving my vote for giant pretentious turd of the year.

Cody Rogers
09/21/2009
10:50PM
Age: 19
Location
Raleigh, NC

Not terrible, but I definitely didn't enjoy this as much as the last two albums. TDAG is very pretentious, definitely, but the music and emotion is enough to make me forget that. This, however, is a little much, and I think jamoncito touches on that.

Mike Duchnowsky
09/22/2009
05:29AM
Age: 27
Location
West Haven, CT

This CD is great. This is what a band that wants to progress in different music directions does. If they put out a CD sounding exactly like TDAGARIM everyone would be here crying. I give this CD as many stars as a CD can get(even though in my opinion I'd say it deserves a 4.5)

The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.

Nicholas
09/22/2009
07:10AM
Age: 30
Location
Baton Rouge

Once, I was in Houston for a Sigur Ros concert. I stopped at a Subway downtown before the show and ran into some local scene kids. They were really nice kids, and we ended up talking about our plans for the night. When I told them I was going to see Sigur Ros, they looked confused and asked me what they sounded like.
"I don't know," I said. "Kind of ethereal, otherworldly, and beautiful."
"Oh, like Brand New," they said.
"No," I said. "Not like Brand New."

Boobs
http://thenicsperiment.blogspot.com/

KEVO
09/22/2009
07:47AM
Age: 20
Location
Alabama
Nicholas

Once, I was in Houston for a Sigur Ros concert. I stopped at a Subway downtown before the show and ran into some local scene kids. They were really nice kids, and we ended up talking about our plans for the night. When I told them I was going to see Sigur Ros, they looked confused and asked me what they sounded like.
"I don't know," I said. "Kind of ethereal, otherworldly, and beautiful."
"Oh, like Brand New," they said.
"No," I said. "Not like Brand New."

Those cultured scene kids.

happyknappy11
09/22/2009
09:26AM
Location
Somewhere in New York
Nicholas

Once, I was in Houston for a Sigur Ros concert. I stopped at a Subway downtown before the show and ran into some local scene kids. They were really nice kids, and we ended up talking about our plans for the night. When I told them I was going to see Sigur Ros, they looked confused and asked me what they sounded like.
"I don't know," I said. "Kind of ethereal, otherworldly, and beautiful."
"Oh, like Brand New," they said.
"No," I said. "Not like Brand New."

That's hysterical. What are scene kids doing with their lives when they don't know Sigur Ros. I thought that was in their repertoire. Or is that hipsters? Indie Kids? Ah, hell.

"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross

Nicholas
09/22/2009
10:13AM
Age: 30
Location
Baton Rouge

It was weird. I was baffled. Also, and this is no offense to the fine European readers of this website who I am sure are mostly awesome, there was a huge group of Eurotrash people sitting next to us who would not stop talking loudly troughout the majority of the show. It was a sit down show and everyone was absolutely silent during songs, but no one in our vicinity could hear the music over these losers. I finally stood up and told them to shut it or else and they all left. I don't know why they were even there. I think the scene kids would have had a better time. Awesome show, regardless.

Boobs
http://thenicsperiment.blogspot.com/

jamoncito
09/22/2009
04:11PM
Age: 23
Location
Los Angeles
Mike D Hates You

This CD is great. This is what a band that wants to progress in different music directions does. If they put out a CD sounding exactly like TDAGARIM everyone would be here crying. I give this CD as many stars as a CD can get(even though in my opinion I'd say it deserves a 4.5)

I just can't see how this is a positive progression in any way.

thetsaiguy
09/22/2009
04:58PM
Location
San Jose, CA
jamoncito
Mike D Hates You

This CD is great. This is what a band that wants to progress in different music directions does. If they put out a CD sounding exactly like TDAGARIM everyone would be here crying. I give this CD as many stars as a CD can get(even though in my opinion I'd say it deserves a 4.5)

I just can't see how this is a positive progression in any way.

The focus isn't on songwriting anymore, it's all about expression through music.  It's messy for the sake of channeling emotions.  That's a place most artists are afraid to go into, but the ones that succeed go down in history as "great."

last.fm/user/thetsaiguy

kenced
09/22/2009
05:25PM
Age: 22
Location
Dallas, TX
Matthew Tsai
jamoncito
Mike D Hates You

This CD is great. This is what a band that wants to progress in different music directions does. If they put out a CD sounding exactly like TDAGARIM everyone would be here crying. I give this CD as many stars as a CD can get(even though in my opinion I'd say it deserves a 4.5)

I just can't see how this is a positive progression in any way.

The focus isn't on songwriting anymore, it's all about expression through music.  It's messy for the sake of channeling emotions.  That's a place most artists are afraid to go into, but the ones that succeed go down in history as "great."

I'm going to have to agree with jamoncito on that aspect. Although I didn't want nor expect a carbon copy of TDAG, I can't see Daisy being much of a progression for them at all. TDAG had plenty of emotion and they certainly did not have to sacrifice songwriting to achieve that. As I have said before I enjoy Daisy and their approach to create a raw and emotion filled album, but I just can't get past the mediocre songwriting when compared to TDAG and even Deja. 

BlakeW
09/22/2009
06:34PM
Location
Oklahoma

Yeah, what's with the false dilemma?  Emotion and attention to songwriting don't have to be mutually exclusive.  I prefer bands that successfully blend the two. 

NiCK JAMES
09/22/2009
07:11PM
Age: 20
Location
Lakewood, OH

Agreed, Blake.
Definitely enjoyed TDAG the most of all their releases, it was the most cohesive. All the tracks on Daisy are pretty good individually, although I do prefer Lacey's lyrics, but they didn't work for me from the beginning to end of the album as a whole.

http://www.last.fm/user/nicklovesohio

Mike Duchnowsky
09/22/2009
07:11PM
Age: 27
Location
West Haven, CT

Anything that changes from style to style or the general direction of the music is considered progression. If its positive or negative is besides the point. I'm a fan of every Brand New Cd. This one is really good, it has a bunch of really catchy lines, the rhtyhm and general flow of the CD is enjoyable. There's a few parts I can deal without and it has a bit of the old repeat chorus formula but they've always sort of been that way. This CD has a bunch of haunting/menacing themes and I'm a fan. This CD being in their catalog makes their other music better as well. They now have a larger list of styles incorporated into their music.

The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.

jamoncito
09/22/2009
10:34PM
Age: 23
Location
Los Angeles
BlakeW

Yeah, what's with the false dilemma?  Emotion and attention to songwriting don't have to be mutually exclusive.  I prefer bands that successfully blend the two. 

Bingo.

I'm not looking for Deja or TDAG part II, but as a fan of a band, I kind of expect a certain level of the bands sound to be intact in the music as they continue to release albums. I mean, I guess under Mike D's definition then this is "progression", but in this case I find it neither fitting nor satisfying. I'm sorry, but if the "progressive" direction they want to go in is more Modest Mouse vibes and alt-grunge type of stuff, then I'd just rather listen to Modest Mouse and their grunge source material. Ya dig?

As a side note, I can't believe how unbelievably bad some of these songs are. Vices? Yeesh, get that outta here. And that transition from song Vices to Bed is jarring at best. At the Bottom however IS a great song. Oh well, 2 or 3 good ones out of 11 ain't bad. Oh wait, yah it is, because the entire rest of the catalog is almost flawless. You can literally listen to the other 3 albums in a row without hearing one bad song; so much for that track record. End rant.