New Band Alert: The Daylights
An Up and Coming Alt-Rock Group Gaining Widespread Popularity
It is ironic how one can drive to a concert, stand in line for 45 minutes, pay $25 for a ticket, and end up liking the opening band more than the band one actually went to see. Early this year, there is a distinct possibility that this phenomenon has happened to hundreds in large music venues across the country. Touring with One Republic and Josh Kelley is a little number called The Daylights, a fresh, optimistic trio hailing from the great L.A.. Albeit a little rough around the edges, this group has such a well put-together sound that listeners might mistake them for a headlining act.
The Band
The group consists of brothers Ran and Ricky Jackson, from Los Angeles, and Svend Lerche, a native of Denmark. Originally there was Adam Farley on drums, who was later replaced by Lerche. Formed in 2004, the 3 released their first EP independently the same year, entitled Shift and Blur. Before they could release another independent recording, they were picked up by Epic Records, via Daylight Records. Currently, they are touring with One Republic and Josh Kelley, and are working on their first major debut, which is scheduled to be released sometime between this spring and summer.
What Makes Them Special
For a band consisting of only 2 brothers and a drummer, the sound level and quality of this band is mind-blowing. All instruments are manned by the 3 --- no outside help needed. With Ran Jackson on guitar and piano, Ricky Jackson on bass and guitars, and Svend Lerche on drums, the group produces a well-blended composition much like Radiohead, but with the smoothness of Elliot Smith and the progressive persistent rhythms of the Killers. Tie that in with some Peter Gabriel-esque exotic beats and the realistic harmonies of The Fray, and listeners have a unique yet endearing sound that will leave them wanting more.
The Jacksons tag-team vocals; each has a voice that is strong and soulful, and their vocals mesh superbly to create a well-balanced and sweet harmony which blends so well it can get a bit eerie. While Lerche sings without a microphone, he does well to pound out prominent but not overbearing rhythms, utilizing the bass drum well for dramatic effect. Also, one of the signatures of the band is that they lack that brassy hardness which tends to afflict many rock groups. Instead, Ran and Ricky offer guitar solos that are particularly lush and defined, switching back and forth from acoustic guitars to electric, and a solid bass that is meaty but not brash.
Noteworthy Tunes
Currently they have 2 EPs that are up for grabs. The original Shift and Blur, which is up on iTunes, and also, a newer, self-titled limited-edition release that they are peddling at the concerts. The newer release includes stellar tracks such as “Terra Firma”, a tribute to small town life. “Terra Firma” is very reminiscent of Peter Gabriel, but it will be one of those tracks that will be stuck on “Repeat” in listeners' MP3 players. With mournful harmonies and the organ-like solos, this track is sure to be a chart topper.
From the same release comes “Hiroshima”—a little faster, a little harder, a little darker. Slightly ominous, (“Tonight it all goes down\as rain falls without a sound…”), the intensity that the band is able to build with electric solos and incessant pounding rhythms will keep you from being able to sit still--inevitably, listeners will be tapping some fingers or a foot out of sheer anxiety.
“20 Cities” is hopeful and sweet, dripping with optimism and determination. It is a great showcase of Ran and Ricky’s range, pulling their voices up to the stratosphere. The generous application of crashing symbols coupled with pure and simple guitar chords could easily make this song an anthem for the masses.
The Daylights are simply a phenomenal band—one that is sure to be chart-topping. Look for their debut album in stores in late spring/early summer of 2008.
Sources
The Daylights MySpace page
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