Five years later, The Day returned with a new album, “The Kids Are Alright.” After the rather avant-garde “Midnight Parade” (2019), the bar was set quite high, and The Day had to release a record at least as good as their debut. This is not an easy feat: there is even a term called the “sophomore album syndrome.” Did the duo manage to meet the expectations for the new album? Absolutely. Laura Loeters and Gregor Sonnenberg managed to overcome it and release a record that can rightfully be called one of the brightest works of 2024.

The new album “The Kids Are Alright” by The Day is unlike any record I have listened to, despite many albums being dedicated to themes of breakup, loneliness, and social instability in the world. But here, everything is demonstrated very well! Laura Loeters and Gregor Sonnenberg have gone through a lot to reach this point: their new work covers themes of loneliness, anxiety, and finding solace in this troubled world.

photo by Sasha Ilushina

Shortly before the pandemic began, Laura Loeters moved to Antwerp. However, soon after her arrival, the world was engulfed by the COVID-19 crisis, and she found herself isolated from everyone in an unfamiliar city. This unforeseen situation became a significant challenge for Laura. She found herself locked within the four walls of her apartment, and the new city now felt more like confinement.

Only music allowed her to regain a sense of self, and working on covers breathed some life into the oppressive atmosphere, serving as a reminder of the power of art. It was in the midst of palpable loneliness, feelings of confusion, and loss of control that the original song “June” was born, which served as the starting point for the creation of the second album, “The Kids Are Alright.”

That’s why the new album turned out to be much warmer, more energetic, and even a bit more intimate than its predecessor. The Day pour all their experience into their music to offer everyone hope and help in situations when it seems like there’s no way out. The songs on the album have a shorter runtime compared to the debut “Midnight Parade,” allowing the band to use more space during live performances.

“Midnight Parade” and “The Kids Are Alright” are in many ways similar: it’s still the same surreal indie rock with Loeters’ sensual vocals and Sonnenberg’s hazy guitars. However, there are also differences: the new album features much more dream pop sound – for example, in the first track “98.” The sensual rhythm, bright guitars, and gentle, almost whispering vocals create a comforting cloud that immediately envelops and warms you. Then, in the track “Sidelines,” The Day addresses themes of resistance and how to cope with one’s own shadows. I like how The Day plays with contrasts, between bright and fast arrangements, quick rhythms, and Loeters’ light, airy voice. This creates a sense of moving forward, as if the music itself is urging you to soar through thick clouds.

photo by Sasha Ilushina

Then a feeling of absolute dizziness takes over with bright guitar riffs and captivating airy atmosphere in the tracks “Great Unknown” and “Hide.” The stunning sound quality creates an almost new universe where there’s no room for worries. Just close your eyes and listen to every beat, and you’ll feel warmth and calm filling your heart. This is the key feature of The Day; their music is filled with light, even when they talk about complex topics. I love the brightness and seemingly carefree sound of “Empty,” even though the song reflects a sense of hopelessness and helplessness when social trends drown in the general noise or are blocked altogether.

The ability to speak the language of feelings is fully revealed in the track “June,” the first original track created in the solitude of loss. Framed by bright pop synth tones, a light haze of guitars, and gentle, almost whispering vocals. The album concludes on a bright note with the song “Before.” This light acoustic track sounds incredibly cinematic and stylish. Only the voice and guitars at the beginning create a cozy atmosphere. It is a stunning finale, leaving a warm and sweet feeling in the soul that you want to keep for a long time.

Many of the tracks on the album are, in my opinion, certified bangers, but The Day never fails to add a pinch of surreal ecstasy to each of them. This duality—and a penchant for unique hooks—makes “The Kids Are Alright” a powerful record. The new album is energetic and dreamy, embodying what trendy music should sound like in 2024. And quite commercial as well—however, all these definitions pertain more to the overall mood and content of the songs than to the musical genre. The new album shows what the inner world of an indie artist going through tough times can be. The Day creates a modern indie pop rock sound and addresses important themes that will leave no one indifferent.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub