Review Summary: A much needed refresher course for a slacking genre
Dismantle pop-punk's funeral. Tell the eulogy singer that his work here is done and send the pallbearers on their way. Yes, 2011's
Last Days of Rome is here, and pop-punk is alive and well as ever.
Citing such influences as
Saves The Day and
Further Seems Forever, Long Island natives
Daytrader fuse impressive lyrics and robust vocals with all of pop-punk's essential facets: simply-crafted guitar lines, perfectly-paced palm mutes, and enough angst to compete with your standard 9th grade Myspacer. The result is a sixteen minute debut EP that showcases the best qualities of the genre without sounding too overused or regurgitated in any way. Led by the high-octane vocals of "Tym" (whose last name happens to be incredibly elusive, despite my extensive google query) and backed by crisp instrumentation that defies pop-punk's usual boundaries,
Daytrader soar to new heights of alternative music. Right from the get-go on "Kill My Compass", the band emits a youthful, melodic energy that rivals such records as
Brand New's
Your Favorite Weapon. In maintaining this unfaltering zealousness, "Tym" boasts a brawny and impressive vocal range, exhibiting a passion and ferocity that's been long removed from pop-punk. On "Grey-Colored Glasses", he manages to achieve a Jesse Lacey-esque prowess with his distant, shouted harmonies that supplement the track so well without overpowering the other musical elements.
Considering the track records of the band's members, it's not surprising that they were able to create something so likable and unique. Featuring members from such iconic groups as
Crime in Stereo and
Latterman, among others,
Daytrader can be considered nothing less than a sort of "supergroup", at least in its respective genre. Adding to this already impressive resume an extraordinary musical display, which often tends toward more technical, post-hardcore elements, along with the ambitious vocals and intriguing storytelling of their frontman,
Daytrader put forth a confident, appreciable extended play. An effort to appease both lovers of the genre and critics alike,
Last Days of Rome is an impeccably polished pop-punk record. Look for big things from these guys in the future.
