A DAY’S WORK
“A HOME IN THE RAIN”
(Peptide Music)

I knew that this band would engage us. The first sings became clear to me with their previous EP “Drowning In What I believe” a couple of years ago. It was a great surprise then and the new album of the band (second full-length) corresponds to my anticipation. The Dutch band seems to have worked hard during the last two years and delivers a very good album that will surprise all those who don’t know them. The emo-rock sound of the band seems to have evolved convincingly since the EP, with the result that the new songs sound much more mature and well-structured.

The mood here remains a bit melancholic, but in a purgatoric way. However this time the band seems to make an effort to become more radio-friendly - not in the bad way. The songs are less “underground” - facilitated by the better production. Don’t expect to listen to mellow or “empty” melodies, because I mentioned the more radio-friendly aspect of the band. It’s just that the songs reminding more of Radiohead and Coldplay and less Gathering, and Muse this time. However at times you can also find the ghost of Anathema (of the past few albums) wonder around from track to track.

Again the band seems to have invested in the guitar melodies, which evolve smoothly from song to song. Yet, I have to mention the great rhythm section which contributes to the original sound of the band a lot. You shouldn’t ask me about favourite songs here. In general when we propose a “Best” or “Surprise” of the month the CD is in very high standards and most - if not all the songs - are great without fillers. This is the case here as well. Now, about my favourites, you could check “A New Line” and “Days Go By” - which by the way are indicative of the climate and the music of the album. What I like the most is the ability of the band to play with moods and jump from one tempo to another - something that entails variety in the album. I seriously cannot find any reasons why A Day’s Work cannot be the new Coldplay (for example). Maybe what is missing is a hit single - a “Clocks” that would gain extended air-time. Nevertheless I think that his can be the break of the band and I suggest you help it because it deserves it.

by Alex Savatianos 8,5/10