From Failure by Design, to The No Seatbelt Song, to Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades, to Sowing Season, to Degausser, to You Won’t Know, to Not The Sun, I have been taken on a trip that has helped me deal with some of the hardest situations in my life. Brand New has always had my back for the times where there was no way to convey to someone else how you feel. When there was no way to make you feel better than to blast The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, these gentlemen from the east coast made sure I and many others could find solace.
The boys from New York have delivered another golden album for my darker days. If this is somehow your first time hearing about Brand New, the band is known for their dark, melodic songs crammed with enough emotion to make a tear streak down Simon Cowell’s face. For you old school fans out there, rest assured knowing that the lineup is still what it was from long ago and Brand new has only gotten better.
Today, their latest and greatest album, Daisy hit the shelf. I was afraid when I got to hear it for the first time, because I had no idea what direction they would take for this album. I’m happy to report that front man Jesse Lacey knew the rule of not fixing what ain’t broke. Instead, we see the band taking what they did before, and making it better.
For instance, the album opening with a piece of the old school song On Life’s Highway by Betrand Brown before rupturing into the rest of Vices, the songs first track, got me feeling I was in for the next level to the Brand New contingency plan.
We are confronted with many reoccurring themes on this album, with more of a mixture of what has been done before, instead of one new direction. Love and loss, with the plight we face in our relationships is painted by Jesse with his buoyant imagery with the track Bed. We also get that familiar tone of confrontation between friends, namely lying and the pointing-the-finger with fourth track, Gasoline.
I’ve noticed that the lyrics from all Brand News albums have referred to beds in some way; with it being sleeping in the bed that you made, or drama with a woman amongst the sheets. I found this almost comforting, because it truly is where deep, arduous conversations with significant others are born.
This album had so many great tracks, it’s been a task attempting to single out what I loved the most, but let’s try and break it down, like the self esteem of those poor little girls on Toddlers and Tiaras.
The second track, Bed, was a sharp- tongued response to an apparent fight between lovers. The simple, repeating chorus, “Laid her on the bed” (which later changes to “Lie to all your friends”) kept me hooked, with the verses that call out not only the woman, but her sister as well. This was one of the many tracks that hit close to home with things that some of us men have experienced, but with an imagery that we have fought to produce on paper.
Speaking of painting a picture with paramount perfection, the eighth track, Bought a Bride was a new direction for the band I feel. The lowdown bass riffs and dual channel voices kept me locked in with the lyrics calling out our society that is a paid-in-advance paradigm we can’t avoid.
Track nine, Daisy, is the quintessential composition of a self-loathing song that would have set the tone for a slow-motion (or plastic bag blowing) American Beauty scene. Bringing in the reoccurring element of faith (or a lack thereof, I can’t say for sure) in God, it stands out as a classic Brand New creation. Old fans might think of it as Millstone part two.
Even though the entire album brought out emotions from different parts in my life, I’d say that At the Bottom (also the albums single) held the strongest grip on the state of my life at the moment. Maybe not completely as far as lyrics are concerned, but the chorus rang true for me, and what I’m sure will be many others when they hear it. Again, the heavy imagery and mystic metaphors make this the definition of a classic Brand New track. Even down to the everybody-sing-along words of the echoing chorus and familiar guitar songs that we have loved since the bands 2000 creation.
Brand New will always hold a place in my heart for their ability to bring out emotions that I sometimes feel like I forget. I’m happy to have this reminder, with Daisy, a sure pick for one of my favorite albums of the year. Thanks to Denise V. for getting me to ping this one on the radar, and Melissa at Total Assault for getting it to me early to test out before bring this review to you. The album is out now, so fans new and old can experience another chapter in music legacy as I did.
Until next time my friends,
~Flak
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
You have got to be kidding. Brand New ruined their dark melodic sound with this album. The lyrics are laughable, the guitar is unpolished as the other albums were, and the drums are out of touch. To go from knowing that sick feeling tran sic Gloria pours out and then welling up with tears from the songs Luca and milstone, to hearing a strange country twang with broken apart lyrics that are basically inaudible, and songs with 30 plus seconds that just repeat the same line, its sad. This entire cd was disappointing. There was barely any breath of Brand New in the CD. If someone told me that this was a new band, i would believe them.
Its like MSI meets Nickelback meets Marlyn Manson meets Underoath.
Im sorry, where did you say Brand New was?
They had their own sound… a deep, soothing, connecting, sweet and sad… beautiful sound.
Most Journalists will like this, i guess, since its the same crap most alternative rock bands are spewing out each year.
I want Brand New back
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Daisy is an awesome album, can’t stop playing it. ‘The Devil and God…’ was an impossible recording to follow, being the album of the decade so far, but Daisy is a close 2nd.
Right from the full on ‘Vices’ and ‘Sink’ through to outstanding play out track ‘Noro’ it’s an album with many twists and turns.
By the way catch them live if you can, you’ll be blown away.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Exactly what Rediculous said. This record is an abomination. There’re glimpses of what could be something amazing, but fall far from it. It’s disheartening for me to admit it, but this is the most disappointing record I’ve listen in my whole life.
The only thing I disagree with Rediculous is about music critics loving this. The reviews I’ve seen are far from warm, most of them points the same thing: it could be great, but it’s only somewhat good. What a shame.
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Best album yet… I’m loving the screaming… the song, “Sink” can get me fired up like no other.
Brand New’s back, everyone!
September 24th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I agree with this review. At first i’ll admit, I was a bit disappointed with the album after all the hype that has surrounded it. But after a few more listens I’ve started to realise that the album is very special. It’s nothing like what all other alternative rock bands are putting out today (although I don’t really like anything alternative but Brand New). Brand New are a unique and mysterious band and this album shos how they’ve grown up over the past few years.
And don’t jump down the reviewer’s throat – we’re all entitled to out opinion. Go away, listen a few more times, come back in a few weeks and see it you feel the same about the album. Whether you like it or not, Brand New will get on just fine without you.
September 26th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
From album to album Brand New has made music that reflects what it is they are going through at a certain time in their life. When you listen to YFW and then DE and then TDAGARIM and then Daisy in succession, the Band grows up before your ears. Some will undoubtedly not be ready for Daisy. But when they grow up they will embrace it as the genius that it is. Anyone who says “I want BN back” needs to go renew their AP subscription and spend some more time hanging out at Hot Topic waiting for the new Paramore album to drop. Daisy is real and raw and beautiful.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I am sure this album will attract a certain group of people, and obviously it’s also getting some good reviews from current fans. (and I hope you are not just liking it because you just HAVE to be a die-hard fan of brand new…if you don’t like it admit it) I think that if you are a first time listener of Brand New and you really don’t like it and have therefore judged Brand New based on this album….DON’T. Listen to Deja Entendu, and ESPECIALLY listen to The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Personally, this album is not easy to get into. There are a few good song…but still none of them captivate me like almost all the tracks did on The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. I was disappointed in this album because I was looking for that WOW factor, and it just isn’t there. This is NOT their best, NOR second best album….closer to the bottom in my opinion. But hey, this even if this album doesn’t astound me, which it doesn’t, it does not make Brand New a bad band! This latest album shows TONS of creativity, but I think the biggest problem is the conflict in styles, they could have made two albums out of this one album. It’s an arbitrary mix of Hardcore, Experimental, and Indy Rock. Perhaps a release like Thrice’s Alchemy index, where each album had a different flavor to offer, united in it’s entirety but still seperate. ANWAY that is my VERY long winded opinion on Brand New’s new album Daisy.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:05 am
So Brand New is one of my favorite bands. From Your Favorite Weapon to The Devil and God.. I feel like their albums just kept getting better and better. I was so excited for Daisy to come out but for some reason though I really cannot get hooked on it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s creative and “something new” but it’s not what I was expecting, at all. Yes, I’ve set it down and picked it up trying to get into it multiple times but I just can’t. In the end, I will without a doubt remain a fan to BN, but more-so a disappointed one.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
First off all of you people saying you want brand new back are you serious… they are one of the only bands today that actually try something new every album. They take a lot of risks and in my mind get a big reward. This album is a big step forward and shows how much they as a band have matured since Your favourite weapon… In the end without you the band will keep making great music in the future.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I think brand new peaked with deja entendu, but i still liked TDAGARIM too. Daisy was a complete failure in my book; The best song on this cd is worse than the worst song on DE.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Travenous… you’re an idiot.
I am almost certain that Brand New put out this album to get out of a record deal or something. There is nothing genius, motivating or grown up about it. Its all bad. There are only 2 decent songs that i would skip over if on the cds prior to this.
I agree with Thrank, dont say you love it because you HAVE to.
All of the classic bands are dying off as of late, its only expected Brand New would try to follow. I hope they recover with the next album.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
Brand New isnt the tupe of band who writes albums to get good reviews. Yeah this album is less polished and finished than TDAGARIM, we knew it would! Most of the songs are written by Accardi and not Lacey, how could they not sound different than their earlier releases. If you dont like it, thats fine, but its not because brand new’s lost their edge. Brand New has made changes like this or even more radical on every single one of their releases, if you cant keep up then go back and listen to their old stuff until youre ready.
The new album is amazing, everyone should go see them live!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 am
I have to disagree with you Rediculous. Though I also have to disagree with those of you who think this is the best. While I think that it cannot top Deja or Devil and God, this album still has fantastic songs. It just doesn’t have the wholesome feeling you get with Deja. It doesn’t sound like an album so much as a mixed tape of ideas for songs. Fantastic songs, but they don’t have any polish. I can see why some would say it is pure creativity, but its as if this creativity was vomited all over the recording studio. Nevertheless, it is a good album, with a sound far beyond that of most albums being released this year, certainly on par with the new Breaking Benjamin and Muse releases.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Just like Muse and Breaking Benjamin!? good grief those bands are crap in comparison!They are nothing alike. You know what, this is a great album. Im not just saying that because I like Brand New, I’m saying it because it really is great. the whole cd kept me captivated, and honestly I think you have to be at a certain point in your life to really appreciate this album. Not to mention you have to keep in mind that they wrote music that they would enjoy playing live… I actully saw them recently and I have to say that these songs are even better live.
November 8th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
notsofast-The songs are pretty split between lacey and acardi. Vin didn’t write most. I’m glad you like the album.
This is the perfect for follow up for devil and god. Jesse already stated in an interview that Brand New is basically over so this is an album of ending. And that’s the personal, raw, broken down beauty of it. It pains me to see change that people refuse to understand be labeled as decay when their sound is nothing but musical growth.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:48 am
Ridiculous, are you kidding me? they wrote this album to get a record deal or good reviews? That is blatantly retarded. If you listen to interviews, sat down with him, or even just heard him speak you know he didn’t do this for a record deal. Heck, Jesse even said you can download the leaked Daisy CD because he never sees record sales. Funny that he did this CD for a record deal so by your words. This CD is pure genius, not their best but they are emerging their music. Guess you’re just afraid to branch out into something that is not the same which Brand New has done with every album.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
brand new isnt gonna make 4 identical albums and that is incredibly obvious based on the previous 3. They went for something different and this is what came out, TBS tried to repeat their old sound with NEW again and it just didnt work. I just dont see how you can not like Bride, Sink, At the bottom, i rank those up their with their best songs. Ive heard alot of stuff about Brand New being finished after the next couple of tours too, I dont see what they could possibly right after this one, remember “WE DONT BELIEVE IN FILLER BABY”
November 29th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I listened to it a dozen more times and realized it is an amazing album. If you didn’t like it the first time, give it a couple more tries. It is fantastic.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
well. i must say, i really like this album. not just because i like brand new. i’m not a die-hard fan or anything (though they are up in my top bands), but this album just kind of got me. i can see why some people dont’t like it, and i can see why especially after Devil and God (IMO their best album – which i need to replace since it got lost recently >:O), but, at least to me, it is good all the same. i agree with the person who said it sounded more like a mixtape of potential album songs than an album itself, but that’s part of what i like. i like that it is a chaotic, disorganized mishmosh type thing, possibly because that is how my head is 99.9% of time time, ha.
anyway, love it, like it, hate it … it’s all good. to each his own. that is one of the most fascinating things about music – it seems many people have very different ears. two people could listen to the same exact thing and think very differently about it. it is just so interesting to observe stuff like that.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Alright, this is just my opinion. Every album they release exceeds the other one. The Devil and God was better than Deja Enendu, and Daisy is better than The Devil and God. Daisy is so powerful, mature and features many different styles and feelings. A prime example of an amazing song on Daisy is ‘You Stole’, it starts off slow and calm, and by the end, it’s heavy guitar riffs and totally changes the way you were feeling, which is amazing. The lyrics are incredible and have a deeper meaning than their older lyrics. Don’t get me wrong, DE and The Devil and God were amazing but they weren’t as powerful and emotional. Maybe it’s just me, but i find their new, raw, not so catchy music incredible and Daisy will always be one of my favourite albums of all time.
March 15th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
It’s not their best. But it’s not bad. It can’t be called ridiculous. Surprising and yes, to some, disappointing. Daisy is dark and may sound unpolished but is still good. It’s honest and that’s what Brand New has always been to us, for us. Old fans know BN makes music for themselves, not for us. This album seems less like a full length and more like a check-in. I hope their spirits start turning more positive because I want to keep connected. I was still very connected with some of the songs on the record.
There are a few pretty harsh critiques of Daisy above but those people are in the minority. Ridiculous is clearly upset. She thinks BN should have stuck closer to their past formulas but she very clearly doesn’t know as much as she thinks..comparing the music to MSI and Nickleback. A catty stab in the dark if you ask me. And her comment about “Journalists probably liking it.” That doesn’t even make sense. Ridic defines what kind of music journalists like.. hmmm
This album–especially if it is the end of the band–will be recognized for its supreme creativity, and will help to define Brand New as a band that never settled into a groove. Their music evolved organically with it’s members and fans.
Last thing Ridic.. the drums bay be a bit out of touch
June 8th, 2011 at 4:47 am
An awesome band,an awesome album and an awesome review.Daisy takes it’s time and grows on you.Noro,You Stole,Daisy,At Bottom,Sink,Gasoline,In a Jar,Vices……what more do you want!it’s different,it’s unique,it’s brilliant and one thing,you won’t find this voice of Jesse anywhere else.So just deal with it.If you don’t like Daisy,then it’s your ill luck.You’re missing something beautiful.Try listening it again and again until you fell in love with it.