It’s an effortless transition that almost feels like the band is showing off. As the song hits its second half the lapping waves give way to pounding kick drums and cascading guitar line from Heagy, a reminder that this band can truly shred when they want to. For a standout example of that charming ease, look no further than the sun-dappled title track, which introduces the record with a ukulele-led beachside singalong. The band has coined the record as a mixtape and the label feels apt given its easygoing songwriting approach and short runtime. Instead, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Heagy and drummer Pat Doherty spend the record settling further into their sound and diving into new tones and inflections, offering subtler changes to their formula. They don’t take detours into electronic experimentation or bossa nova like on GAMI GANG. Nothing here is as heavy as the hardcore edge of DEPART or the warm marimbas of re: turn. In comparison, The Brightest Days is a more focused effort, encapsulating the band’s style and adventurous instincts in a tight 22 minutes. Origami Angel already proved themselves as one of emo’s most adventurous rising acts with their sprawling 2020 double record GAMI GANG, not to mention last year’s fraternal twin EPs, the acoustic re: turn and the relentlessly heavy DEPART. Written during the dystopian summer of 2020, the record is steeped in the band’s trademark sincerity, yet finds them taking detours down new anxious undercurrents, delivering some of the band’s most thoughtful and relentlessly catchy material yet. As the days get warmer and schools begin letting out, plenty of music obsessives will be keeping their eyes open for their personal “song of the summer.” If they happen to be emo fans, they already have a full set of contenders with Origami Angel’s new mixtape, The Brightest Days.
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