Art often reflects the reality in which its creators live, and music is no exception. Loneliness, personal crises, and the feeling of life being out of control during the pandemic have greatly influenced the creativity of many artists, including the duo The Day, consisting of Laura Loeters and Gregor Sonnenberg. Living and working in Antwerp and Hamburg, the musicians operate within the dream pop and indie rock genres, channeling their own experiences through light beats and energetic riffs. This is why their second album, “The Kids Are Alright,” has become a refuge for those seeking solace and understanding of their experiences. Each of the 12 tracks on the new album reflects deep personal and collective traumas, offering a chance to find peace amid the pervasive noise and uncertainty of the modern world.

The Day’s new album focuses on their experience, critiques social and political systems. In this way, “The Kids Are Alright” transforms into a multi-layered artistic work, where each song carries a deep layer of meaning. However, it is only through careful listening that one can follow the musicians’ voice breaking through the lyrics. Honestly, the album “The Kids Are Alright” reminds me of a handwritten letter. The music evoke a sense of closeness, it feels as though the performers are communicating directly with me through their music. I am simply enchanted by “The Kids Are Alright.

photo by Sasha Ilushina

To begin with, about the first track “98” – it’s like opening a letter in a sealed envelope with the most intimate thoughts. The blurry sounds of melodies dissolve in space. It’s as if I’m not listening to the music itself, but its echo. Real, unreal! Only the glow remains. Following hypnotically behind this light, I find myself in the musical cloud of “Two Moons.” In this song, the sound takes on new shades, where lo-fi moments become an integral part of the musical process. From the calm rhythm, the melody smoothly transitions to a more dynamic one, increasing intrigue. These transitions resemble sharp turns on a track. Inspired by the daring twists of “Two Moons,” the track “Great Unknown” grabs my attention with its contrasting sound dynamics. Starting with smooth transitions of guitar melodies, it gently rocks on musical waves.

Effects like reverberation, delay, and echo generators add layers to this audiovisual picture. Laura Loeters’ vocals display a special grace in this track. Her voice, seasoned with sighs, envelops with singing that makes you want to get lost in the mist. In her vocals, there’s a subtle pop edge of the dream pop genre, which complements the overall picture and gives the track a unique character. “Great Unknown” leaves a trail of tenderness and the desire to press the “Play” button again. Although “Great Unknown” truly captivated me, I cannot overlook the track “Empty.” In this song, what attracted me most were the rhythm of the solo guitar and the hard-hitting drums, which create a sense of tension. This effectively conveys a feeling of disappointment and exhaustion, in my opinion. The emotional explosion of “Empty” serves as a warning to stop and reflect on what truly matters in life. As the album unfolds, deeper layers and themes are revealed. Like in “June” – a musical story that transforms in space.

photo by Nanne Spielmann

This track has an incredible airiness, the sweet vocals and honeyed guitar sound give it tenderness, stirring up memories of my personal experience of growing up. After the emotional “June,” the final track of the album, “Before,” maintains the same transparent sound that was present in “June.” It’s a continuation of the same emotions but with a more intimate shade. The warm vocals blend with the crystal clarity of guitar chords. The notes intertwine with such intensity that they touch the deepest corners of the mind. “Before” is like the final note in the melody of life, the moment when you reflect on the past before stepping into the future.

I sincerely believe that “The Kids Are Alright” by The Day skillfully conveys emotional fluctuations, from nostalgia to disappointment and tension. It’s a kind of personal letter of revelation. As if contemplating strategies for overcoming difficulties and discussing growth amid global challenges, The Day’s album inspires introspection and reflections on the possibilities of influencing society. This release helps us understand how we can evolve and find meaning despite all external circumstances, facing both the external world and ourselves. Just listen to “The Kids Are Alright” and stay still.

Published in partnership with SubmitHub

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