Real Estate, the once-indie darlings with their mastery over surf rock stylings, have certainly had their share of highs and lows over the past decade. From the euphoric heights of Days and Atlas to the more tepid reception of recent releases, the band seemed to be caught in a creative drift. However, with their sixth LP, Daniel, there’s a flicker of unexpected brilliance that suggests a rejuvenation for this New Jersey outfit.
Upon hearing of the involvement of Daniel Tashian, renowned for his work on Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour, I was cautiously optimistic. While the production doesn’t necessarily break new ground for Real Estate, it undeniably breathes fresh life into their sound. The album boasts some of the band’s most overtly memorable and catchy tunes in years, along with a sense of cohesiveness that has been missing from their recent efforts.
What stands out most on Daniel is the band’s willingness to experiment with their sound. While maintaining their signature jangly presentation, tracks like the opener “Somebody New” and the infectious highlight “Water Underground” deliver shiny hooks that embed themselves in your mind. Moreover, songs like “Victoria” venture into country/folk territory, adding a subtle yet intriguing dimension to Real Estate’s repertoire.
While the album benefits from minimal expectations after previous disappointments, it still falls short of the consistent brilliance of their earlier work. Some tracks, like “Haunted World,” deliver a sense of gentle melancholia but lack the infectiousness of their best material. Similarly, “Airdrop” leans too heavily on anticipated profundity, falling flat in its execution.
Daniel presents a mixed bag of delights and disappointments, but the triumphs outweigh the shortcomings. It’s a breezy and eminently likable album that showcases Real Estate’s return to form. While it may not reach the heights of Days or Atlas, it demonstrates a willingness to evolve and explore new territory. In the end, that’s more than enough reason to give it a listen and appreciate the band’s enduring talent and potential for greatness.
Daniel will be released on February 23, 2024 by Domino Recording Co.
Photo – Sinna Nasseri
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