The Daybreakers debut CD is a collection of fun, gritty, blues rock, folk-rock, and country rock that makes a good companion to any drive down the highway. Although these boys are from the greater-Boston area, they rock like they were born and raised south of the Mason County Line.
Opening cut “Hard To Explain” is a pleasant, breezy number with cool harmonies that coat it with something that feels like summer. Alluring in an Eagles cruising tempo manner, it offers a sunny acoustic guitar melody that delights with its twisty phrase. Over this back drop, guitarist Kyle Murphy finds the perfect platform to croon in a southern gentlemanly manner, this being the first of two song on this album where Murphy sings lead vocals.
“Bad Habits And The Blues” kicks it with more assertive guitar work and a motion filled groove that keeps things moving. These guys give an astonishing sense of travel, making the listener feel they’re taking him for a fun ride with a purposeful destination. The rhythm guitar is irresistible and the vocals fill in the space with a warm, soulful vibe. Meanwhile, lead vocalist Corey Routh impresses with his bluesy drawl.
Potential radio hit single “It Ain’t Easy” moves at an amicable pace with guitar riffs that one can listen to repeatedly. Its strident beat pushes everything along with a knobby groove while remaining catchy and fun. Routh sings in a spirited, neo-hippie style that adds to the hip vibe going on in this song.
“First Train Home” utilizes the guitar fire power of this quintet to make a strong musical statement. Lead guitar phrasing is intricate and pulls the listener in with its swift notes and twisty line. Guest player Jim Bambino lays his bluesy organ swirls over this one like heaping, generous portions of gravy over the meat and potatoes. Routh get his bluesy timbre going on, singing in a more belty manner that reminds of the Allman Brothers. His vocal is raw, raspy, and strong enough to command attention all the way through.
“Ways To Go” takes things mid-tempo for more bluesy vocal work and a perfectly played guitar line, a melodic phrase pressed out with a care for tender emotion. A feel for southern rock imbibes these northern guys with a gutsy approach. Murphy, making the second of his two appearances as lead vocalist, sings it with soulful inflection, a perfect voice to put over guest piano player Andrew Chipman with his own honky tonk tinkling. The listener can feel the power, the oomph, the emotion in the vocals and in the musicianship. This is a band that you can make you feel it while keeping you listening to many meaningful nuances.
A bristling, two-stepping country rocker that never lets go of the listener’s ears, “Suite Mary Lou (Part 2) conjures images of a boy escorting a girl onto the dance floor at the local honky tonk. Driving her around in a Chevy pickup truck and having a cold beer at the local watering hole are the places where one could most appreciate this number. Drawling, honky tonk vocals, rippling lead guitar notes, and feisty groove make this one come alive. It influences probably include Steve Miller Band and Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band, and those aren’t bad sources to draw from.
“I Don’t Know Why” makes the most of high harmonies, brisk acoustic guitar strumming, adventurous lead guitar, and a rapid, steady vocal. This one moves fast and plays smooth, like a quickly swallowed shot of Jack. “Beg And Plead” has a jumpy groove and frisky lead and rhythm guitar spikes that make it a fun tune. It maintains the album’s overall likeability while offering a good amount of noticeable drum fills.
“Burning The Candle” too is a brisk rocker, a tune that offers the kind of up tempo fun that marks most of this album. Routh’s lead vocal is carefully measured, offering just enough to keep this one tastefully self-restrained while the band put forth enough snap, crackle, and pop to keep this burning with interesting flares.
“It’s All Right,” too, keeps things thumping with a country groove. Speaking of country, the picking style here is all dye in the wool. Flashes of The Byrds, The Eagles, and The Flying Burrito Brothers float to the surface of this fine mesh of styles.
Closing track “I Don’t think I Broke Your Heart” mixes the best elements of country rock, southern rock, and classic rock. Its peppy groove and sold acoustic guitar work give it a tuft of musical muscle. Routh’s down home belt is comfortably familiar while maintaining his own distinct personality.
The Daybreakers have got themselves a finely spun debut CD. It has at least one potential radio hit and the rest of the album is loaded with especially good musicianship and engaging vocals.
