Brand New: Daisy CD Review

Review of Fourth Studio Album

Sep 4, 2009

Fans of Brand New's 2006 album will enjoy Daisy, but fans favoring their earlier work will likely be disappointed.

Brand New, the alt rock band from Long Island, New York, bring a nice balance of vintage work and new style to create an album fans will be pleased with, but it is unlikely to become a fan favorite.

2003’s Deja Entendu shot the group to indie fame, in part due to frontman Jesse Lacey’s vocals, but mostly due to the creative and impressive lyrics. The album showed a maturity from Brand New’s previous work Your Favorite Weapon (2001), and Daisy continues the trend.

Daisy Shows Maturity

A little disappointing to fans, the titles of the tracks are simple and short, unlike previous titles such as “Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't” and “Jude Law and a Semester Abroad.” But, again, it shows a maturity and growth necessary for a band that has been around for almost a decade.

The album can also be inventive at times. The opening track “Vices” begins with a voice fans won’t be accustomed to and then kicks in, in a rather startling fashion. It makes what would have been an otherwise throwaway track into something enjoyable, despite a more screamo edge than what we’re used to.

Subsequent track “Bed” is vintage Brand New and a good choice to follow “Vices.” The first single, “At the Bottom,” is not the album’s best, with “Sink” and “Daisy” characterizing the album better than the single does. In a word, the mood can be summed up as humdrum.

Deja Entendu Still Supreme

The album is somewhat refreshing after the somewhat lackluster The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me (2006). While the three-year-old record had some of Brand New’s best tracks, the album overall lacked a completeness previously seen in Deja Entendu.

However, Daisy does have its share of problems. There just isn’t a standout and impressive track like we’ve seen in the past with “Tautou.” The lyrics aren’t as smart and don’t hit as close to home as they did in “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light.” Many of the tracks sound too similar, despite the mature voice.

The truth is that after three years of absence, any Brand New is better than no Brand New. Fans who prefer The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me will like the tone and pace of the album, but fans who did not like the album and prefer the tracks from Brand New’s first two records will be left feeling like something is missing.

The copyright of the article Brand New: Daisy CD Review in Alternative Music is owned by Katy Burtner. Permission to republish Brand New: Daisy CD Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Brand New's Daisy

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Sep 4, 2009 12:17 PM

Guest :

i think the reason why the tracks don't make sense is because vinny wrote most of them, not jesse. i personally think that this is their worst album yet. it just seems so generic to me. i feel like they don't know what to do with themselves anymore so they just jumbled all these words and added some rhythm to it. nothing vinny writes ever makes sense, and it's so repetitive. ex: "laid her on a bed, laid her on a bed, i don't ever want to go to bed." i heard all of these songs last night and i honestly wanted to cry. i am thoroughly disappointed in brand new; i waited three years for nothing.

Sep 4, 2009 3:07 PM

Guest :

"The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" wasn't lackluster. Only teens and the bands more passing fans thought "Deja" was their best, the hardcore fans all prefer "TDAG". You should avoid reviewing Brand New in future.

Sep 4, 2009 3:24 PM

Guest :

There is a lot of depth that can be found in this album despite the relatively simple lyrics. So much emotion is conveyed, especially in the second half. This is Brand New wrapping things up and moving on. These are their bitter, quiet things laid bare and put to rest.

Sep 4, 2009 4:44 PM

Guest :

I agree that the majority of their hardcore fans appreciated TDAG more than any previous Brand New albums. The trend with these guys has always been significant improvement/expansion of their sound with each record, and TDAG was their greatest album to date. I think they've learned that less is more in many ways, and although I can't say yet if 'Daisy' is an artistic achievement at the level of 'TDAG' the band has certainly delivered an album worthy of their title.

It is the most aggressive of all their albums to date, and while they've sacrificed melody in some cases (nothing stands out like 'Jesus' or 'Millstone') the albums driving bass lines in songs like 'Bought a Bride' and 'Gasoline' make this album a blast to drive around in your car to. It's another Brand New album that deserves to be played from front to back, in keeping with the tradition of the bands 2 previous albums. Will it be more beloved than 'TDAG' by the fans? Only time will tell. But if you're a fan of Brand New or bands like Refused ('Vices' reminds me of them) and The Blood Brothers ('Gasoline') or NIN, then buy 'Daisy' when it's released later this month. You won't be disappointed.

Sep 4, 2009 10:27 PM

Guest :

I'm kind of shocked there hasn't been 100 comments from Brand New fans saying your opinion is invalid. I'm a huge fan who didn't like their last cd either, but I'll still give this one a shot. You're right about any BN is better than no BN.

Sep 5, 2009 7:35 AM

Guest :

This album is very inventive and engaging. As for a standout track,"You Stole" does it for me. "Noro" is another personal favourite. The soft slow songs on this album are simply amazing. While the loud heavy songs leave much to be desired aesthetically, they add a dynamic that make this album believable. If this album was a painting, it would be in the cubist style; intentionally disjointed. Not only the lyrics but the form itself represent emotions and a state of mind. In my opinion, a fantastic album. It will never get any popular attention though.

Sep 7, 2009 5:01 PM

Guest :

the more i listen to this cd the more i like it, they arent gonna make deja 4 times so get over it. It sort of reminds me of Fear before the march of flames, they refuse to make the same album twice unlike brand new their 4th album although entirely different then the previous 3 didnt work. In the end I think jesse just wants to start screaming more at concerts and i like it.

Sep 7, 2009 6:31 PM

Guest :

I love Deja...no record will ever be the same. Daisy is good, but I do feel like it is LESS Brand New than Deja. At the Bottom...the prechorus...sounds a lot like Manchester Orchestra. The songs that stand out are the soft ones...that eventually get some beat and bass behind them. Simply driving songs without being fast.
I'm loving it so far...we'll see what another week does.

Sep 7, 2009 7:41 PM

Guest :

I Didn't not enjoy 'Deja' but I thought 'TDAG' was amazing and my hopes were high for this album. It took several listens, as it usually does for me, and after many listens now for me this album, Daisy, is by far their best. Of course this is all a matter of personal opinion. Daisy is great. It is fast, it is slow, a varied mix of music and the lyrics are great. I disagree about 'A The Bottom' I think it is perfect, though it is not my fav off the album(probably would have to be Daisy, and Noro)but it is right up there. I did not, however enjoy 'vices' or 'Be Gone' so much, or than that it is pretty flawless. overall I say A+; exceeded my already high expectations.

Sep 7, 2009 11:10 PM

Guest :

For fun. . . My song by song quick review:

1. “Vices” - this is like - - not good at all.
2. “Bed” - repetitive and flat with weird southern guitar licks. - - not good.
3. “At the Bottom” - a solid track. love it...
4. “Gasoline” - i hated it at first, but it grew on me.
5. “You Stole” - hated it at first but now i really enjoy it.
6. “Be Gone” - absolutely the worst southern voicebox filler. wtf is this on here for?
7. “Sink” - meh.
8. “Bought a Bride” - meh.
9. “Daisy” - i hated this track at first, but it grew on me. . . kinda.
10. “In a Jar” - HATE the verses. DUMBEST lyrics. love when it gets heavy at various points.
11. “Noro” - i didn't like this track at first, but now i enjoy it.

Sep 8, 2009 6:55 PM

Guest :

wow... i love this cd... not every song is a hit and some off the vocals shouldnt be so distorated but what ever to each there own... i can tell the writing of the lyrics changed alot and thats pretty sad but daisy the song freaking is great and so is noro even though i would like to know what the frack its talking about... i think live alot of the songs wil be a jam like vices... no long songs just long drawn out distroted guitar... i didnt like brand new when i 1st heard them and each cd after the 1st had to grow on me but now i love every one... and this is no different i hope they keep it up... love all yall dan

Sep 8, 2009 7:35 PM

Guest :

Kinda dissapointed its not more like TDAG, then again id be even more dissapointed if they had stuck to the same stuff they made during deja. So using that logic its good they keep doing new stuff. This album defeinetly grows on you. I kinda like the opera bits, reminds me of fallout 3 a bit. 'At the bottom' and 'you stole' are my favs at the moment. Good album, but imo it doesnt touch TDAG in terms of impact it has on you. I really liked deja too, but it annoyed me the whole thing was made with a 'tuned down' guitar, cant play along to it without having to wrestle my guitar strings.
So overall, change is good, this album is good, but part of me would love to see that darker, 'evil' and vulnerable side of this band come back.

Sep 9, 2009 11:04 AM

Guest :

This album is growing on me alot... alot. i had to give it a few listens before i started to get into it. i have been a brand new fan since your favorite weapon, and i absolutely love how they evolve and transform themselves with each and every album. thats the point of this band, i mean their name is brand new for god sakes. to me it musically has surpassed YFW and Deja. it brings something completely new to the table, and that is the type of mindset you need to have when you begin to listen to this album. it is very, very different from their previous records, but if you are a true fan of this band, you will grow to love it. Devil and God is still my favorite however, but this album is really giving it a run for its money.
-liberty

Sep 9, 2009 4:12 PM

Guest :

I have now listened to daisy about 15 times and everytime it grows on me. I believe it is lyrically an amazing album. So if u think the album is lackluster or hate most of the album like the tool who came on here and criticed every song throw the album into ur stereo and blast it as loud as u can bc it shows how far the band has come and how they have matured throughout the years as well as the range the band has when creating music. They are different and they suprise people all the time with there work if you are a true fan u will respect how far theyve come and i beleive they ahve come along way

Sep 9, 2009 4:13 PM

Guest :

The devil and god was not "lackluster"

Sep 9, 2009 4:38 PM

Guest :

I remember seeing Brand New back in 2001 and I've loved them ever since but I don't care for this album or their last. I definitely agree that TDAG had some of Brand New's best tracks but overall I preferred their first albums. It's cool though and I can't wait for their next record.

Sep 10, 2009 8:09 AM

Guest :

A few points to clear up:

1. The Devil And God was NOT lackluster. At all.

2. Brand New is by far my favorite band and has been since Deja Entendu so obviously I was awaiting the release of this album with bated breath. However, after hearing the first track I couldn't stop noticing the generic "uhh-huh band" sound to some of the songs. ("Uhh-Huh Bands" being those that try to be Eddie Vedder and basically just grunt and gargle all of their lyrics, i.e. Creed, while employing cheesy methods like interrupting a soft/calm/innocent sounding portion of a song with sudden outbursts of screaming and hard guitar sounds. *cough* Vices *cough* ) I tried to convince myself this wasn't true but I couldn't avoid drawing the parallel, although admittedly VERY slight, between this new BN and crappy radio bands. WTF Jesse? Why....?

3. That being said, "At The Bottom", "Sink", "Daisy", and "In A Jar" have grown on me in the usual way that all Brand New songs (maybe w/exception of those from Deja) take a few listens to enjoy much less truly appreciate and understand.

4. I hear Jesse let Vinny write most of the lyrics this time...Please do not ever allow this proverbial rape of BN music to happen again. And Jesse, I hold you personally responsible for this sacrilege. lol

Sep 10, 2009 10:31 AM

Guest :

If you are a hardcore fan or a new listener you will like this album. For the old fans who have been listening since the beginning you will realize that this isn't their best album, but you have to remember, can you really beat the perfection of Deja Entendu? This CD brings new light to mature band and you can hear it in all of their tracks. IF you don't compare this CD to their previous 3, it's a good solid CD. I would recommend it %100.

Sep 10, 2009 1:01 PM

Guest :

I agree with you on the fact that 'Deja' was a great, but to say that 'The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me' is lackluster is far from the truth. In my opinion, it is their best album. You cannot compare one album to another with Brand New. As a fan of them since their first album, all I can say is that they have grown with me. I'm sure many other fans feel the same way. Most bands dont keep the same sound they started with. It seems unfair to give them a bad review when you are comparing Daisy to an album that came out 6 years ago. Only the best bands re-invent themselves and allow their sound to grow along with the things they are dealing with. I think Brand New is genius and I am looking forward to this album! I believe everyone should form their own opinion instead of going off a "lackluster" review written by someone who probably only listened to one other album.

Sep 10, 2009 1:05 PM

Guest :

Since these comments have become all about TDAG, I agree it was disappointing. I actually like Daisy better than it. But YFW will always be the best! It's fun to see that fans disagree so much about which CD they like best.

Sep 10, 2009 1:09 PM

Guest :

Sep 12, 2009 7:10 PM

Guest :

I have listened to BN for years and years. Driven states away to see them play live. Play all they're songs on my acoustic every day. Jesse's lyrics have inspired so much of my life. This CD makes me want to cry. I have heard every song of theirs and loved everyone. I cannot find a song on this cd that I can stomach. I am so disappointed. Why did Jesse let Vinny have so much control on this album, Did he lose a bet... Either way this is just pathetic.

Sep 14, 2009 4:45 PM

Guest :

***********
***********

The reviews regarding hardcore or true BN fans are in my opinion correct. They have grown and matured musically with Daisy. Its quite a step from the likes of TDAG, maybe not as much as it is compared to Deja but there is definitely some big influences there. I love the fact you dont get it on the first few listens but it manages to grab you instantly and you find yourself putting it back on for another go.

I dont think it will be as commercialy successfull as TDAG but it really has its moments. Does anyone else think that it will be the end of brand new for the time being because that is the feeling i got from the album.

There is one thing that i didnt enjoy on the daisy and still dont and that was the opening track, also the wierd southern guitar tune with the voice modulation. This was for me a bit of a waste but I respect the fact it was an experimental track and some 'artistic' touches and influences. One of the other reviewers mentioned Fallout 3, the piano bits and the radio insert totally reminded me of Fallout 3!!!

The rest of the tracks are solid and you can definitely tell Jesse took a back seat on this one, which I think was a good idea. It gave Daisy a raw edge to it, it doesnt sound over produced which TDAG did at times. Dont get me wrong, i still think TDAG is their best work but daisy is alot darker and exposed. The guitars are alot more dirty and rough in parts but it complements the mood perfectly.

I love this album but i think only the fans who appreciate BN's evolvement will truly enjoy it. They are one of the few bands that i find have grown with my taste in music. I mean, if they kept releasing something along the lines of Deja then i dont think i would feel the same way as i do now. Alot of bands i used to enjoy just dont do it for me anymore. I loved Deja till i heard TDAG, after hearing it i never heard anything as good until now. It is not their best work but it comes close.

One other thing, does anyone think 'you stole' is a dig at the music industry etc and possibly the fans? Listen to the lyrics and maybe you will see it the way i do. If not, im probably reading it all wrong, lol

Sep 14, 2009 9:20 PM

Guest :

This was a great album. This review wasn't very relevant or useful in my opinion. In no way was DAGARIM a lackluster album. I suppose there's the argument that you enjoyed Deja more, but that is opinion. They showed a lot more growth, talent and song writing ability with their third release. It was a fantastic album that accumulated critical acclaim. And comparing this album to Deja makes writing this review pointless. First of all, who declared that the best of all their albums? Second of all, these are two completely different bands we are listening to. So really this isn't a review of the album Daisy, but a comparison to a completely different work. And those of you complaining that the lyrics don't make sense or that the album sucks should take the time to listen and actually put thought into their meaning. From my perspective, this album is about the vices we indulge in to get by in life and how difficult it is to be a good person. How hard it is to find peace in oneself, accepting our existence for what it is. This is really a phenomenal, well-thought out and skillful album that deserves praise. They should be commended for doing something different and exploring music, not merely repeating their past efforts and being redundant. This is creative stuff here. You don't have to love it, but at least recognize it as a great piece of music.

Sep 15, 2009 7:02 AM

Guest :

amazeing
get over it bands change

Sep 16, 2009 2:30 AM

Guest :

Alright...I've listened to this album "Daisy" about 40 times, no joke(I-tunes keeps track) and at first i hated it...now I LOVE IT!!! EVERY SONG!! Even Be Gone(once you know the lyrics to it, its enjoyable!!!) Now for all of you who think Jesse was an idiot for letting Vinnie write most the songs shows how much you really like this band...you obviously don't. It's called a BAND not JESSE LACEY AND SOME GUYS THAT PLAY WITH HIM...There are 2 things that I don't like about this album though..First I think that it could have been Mixed better.. and if you don't know what that means...sucks. The other thing is, is that if this is their last record than that makes me sad because I think they have more in them...this album to me at least doesn't sound like a close(like Jesse Lacey stated in an interview) It sounds like good ole Brand New to me... and I don't know who the idiot that stated In a Jar is a dumb song but you are so dumb if you think the lyrics are dumb..Its called an ALLEGORY!!!! Ever heard of PLATO??????

Sep 16, 2009 5:04 PM

Guest :

"your favorite weapon" is there all time greatest album ever. no questions asked. "deja entendu" was also a good album. honestly "the devil and god are raging inside me" i disliked with a passion. it really was there worst work ever. "daisy" is nothing special but it is a million times better than "the devil and god are raging inside me."

Sep 17, 2009 7:46 PM

Guest :

This album is amazing. When I first heard it, I was stunned with what I thought was dissapointment, but I kept listening and reading the lyrics and what I discovered was that this album is creepy...in a good way. Everything on this album is on purpose, even the track Be Gone, if you read the lyrics, it sounds like he is being tortured by his inner demons. Vices and Sink are my favs right now, but this is the type of album where I can tell my favs will rotate. TDAG was my favorite, but after giving Daisy a fair and much deserved chance, I couldn't go back to it. If you dismiss this record, you will surely miss out on a BN masterpiece. The problem is, BN fans think they are smarter than everyone(you know you do)and they completely ignore the fact that BN usually serves everything to them on a silver plate. This time they threw the food on the floor and said, "If you eat, you eat, If you don't, you don't". In Bought A Bride when he says,"If everyone's a structure
Where their own savior sits,
Then I'm a little red house
And no one's living in it",
the parallels for feeling like he doesn't deserve to have a savior are terrifying. Give it another shot guys, you'll love it.

Sep 18, 2009 9:35 AM

Guest :

if brand new ever sounds the same on an album is when i will say it is not a good album.if you are a brand new fan, and i mean a really big brand new fan like myself and you arent waiting around for jesse to write deja again then you will enjoy this album. it took me a few listens for some of the songs. "at the bottom" i will probably never get use to.When i first heard "be gone" i thought it was a waste of a track but once you know the lyrics its a good song that could have been done better of course.I will admit that due to vinnie writing most of the lyrics the album falls short. But i agree with everyone on hear who said that devil and god is probably their best work but daisy brings something new to the table in a good way. not the best. but good and probably better than album brand new's peers have put out.

Sep 20, 2009 2:21 AM

Guest :

Whatever the case may be, Brand New does what Brand New wants to do, when they want to do it, and how they want to do it. They can sleep at the end of the day (unlike those spoken of in Noro) and they never have to face the regrets that the countless number of 'sell out' bands will never escape. Brand New is a modern day mystery that everyone wants to figure out, but nobody can or ever will. They make no apologies and why should they? Jesse is as close to perfect as it gets. Daisy is nothing short of amazing from track 1 to the very end. It is a GOOD thing that the shallow, selfish, undevoted fans are gonna move on. I just wish they would stfu and get on with it already. The whining is getting old. Think about it.....if you put all 4 albums in a box set and play the tracks randomly you couldn't find a better roller coaster ride. Close your eyes and hold on tight, because it's gonna be a bumpy ride that you will ride over and over and over again. Brand New is as flawless and pure as it gets, and those of you who are hopping off the bandwagon, thank you, because that means there is more room for me.

Sep 21, 2009 10:31 PM

Guest :

tautou was the standout song on deja? have you ever even listened to that album? your right about this album not being as good as the others, but they still do what they intend to and make something different. but really, you seem to be uninformed on brand new and really should not be expressing your opinions at all. calling devil and god lackluster, thats just a joke.

Sep 22, 2009 4:14 PM

Guest :

1. This album is great but i agree isn't their best to date
2. The Devil and God was a absolutley amazing CD it combined the lyrical wit that Lacey had showcased in Deja with powerful, raw emotion from the bands riffs and drum fills.
3. Deja i would agree though is their best CD from a Brand New fan stand point although YFW is their only CD from front to back is full of solid songs including the first and last songs which show almost a growth of maturity even before Deja
4. The new album is def worth buying, it doesn't suck granted it was maybe a little disappointing compared to their older stuff, But if they never came out with Deja or DAGARIM we would not be having this conversation because it is a great cd just doesn't live up to the 3 year hype.
5. and finally just like all of their CD's in order it shows a growth of maturity from the last. Jesse had said so himself "And I always say, I'm just astonished at how much you learn as you grow older and how it never stops. When I was 21, I realized that I didn't know anything at 17, and then at 25, I realized I didn't know anything at 21, and now at 31, I realized I didn't know anything at 25. But it doesn't seem to be slowing down. I'm always wondering if when I'm 80, am I gonna be looking back to when I was 75 and going, you know, "That person didn't know anything? When does that process of growing stop?" this is just another page in the Brand New chapter of growing up

Sep 23, 2009 10:45 AM

Guest :

this seems to be an album that you would skip through. even being a very big BN fan since your favorite weapon.. i skip some of these tracks on daisy. i think that it is unfair to say that deja was better ats just catchier?? i would say that TDGR is way way better but this is all opinion anyway. the musicianship in thier last two albums are scores above deja( i love deja by the way) most people dont see it.
and furthermore people dont know that they during these off periods of now records they have families and dont even think about BN. so wen they decide to jump back in they are different people everytime.

i will go out on a limb and say that jesse is getting evermore depressed. witch makes me sad and think that they will dissolve soon.
this record deffinately lacks the catch and happiness (not in the lyrics but the music) that we all fell in love with be it deja or YFW.
see ya hope this was helpful.

Sep 24, 2009 5:23 AM

Guest :

tdag was a big letdown, hate it with a passion
im sure i'll hate daisy too..
so im realy in no rush to hear it.
*sigh*
i'll just hold onto old brand new.

Sep 29, 2009 8:19 PM

Guest :

As someone alluded to earlier, this is an album that you have to judge on its own merits. I know there's the temptation to compare it to Brand New's previous works, but Daisy is a unique album. At first listen, I thought it sounded like a continuation of The Devil and God, but the more I listen to it the more I realize it's totally unlike anything Brand New has ever done before. No, it's not Deja Entendu - you can't expect a masterpiece like that to be replicated - but again, Daisy has to be judged strictly for what it is. And what it is is a very solid album with at least four or five truly outstanding tracks.

Oct 7, 2009 7:56 AM

Guest :

Daisy is a concept album. I think if anything this album is just a little bit above most of us. The band didn't write this CD for anyone else, and it reflects in the album.

And yeah, "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" being lackluster? What a terrible opinion. Deja was great, but it was very much of a collection of good songs. TDAG, as an album, was much better constructed. And in my opinion, the songs on TDAG had much greater depth and were overall better in construction.

Oct 9, 2009 5:14 PM

Guest :

ya TDAG was easily the best and favorite album for true fans of brand new, but Daisy definitely isn't generic, especially compared to your favorite weapon. I don't see how shorter song titles show growth in maturity however, as jesse previously said himself that the band used long song titles instead of the most common word in the chorus because that always annoyed them with other bands, which makes it sad to see that they now have done the same. i think this album definitely ties for second with deja in my book. has a lot different sound which is expected with every album they produce, but not really bad in any way (except bed. i agree. don't like that song). I know that a lot of brand new fans seem not to like this album. it surprises me. a lot. you can still easily find the brand new in it, and the lyrics are great as always.

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