Review: Daytrader – Last Days Of Rome

Artist: Daytrader
Album: Last Days Of Rome
Genre: Indie Punk/Emo
Label: Run For Cover

I think it’s fair to say that if you read about a band made up of members from Crime In Stere and Bridge And Tunnel, your expectations would initially be quite high. Such was the case when the UTG offices became aware of such a group, Daytrader, and their debut EP, Last Days Of Rome, just a few short weeks ago. Blending a sound best described as early millenium emo with a renewed since of urgency, we think this one group you’ll definitely want to watch in 2011.

The opening track, “Kill the Compass” is a highly charged, yet musically deep way to dive into the album. The vocals vary from calm within the verse to more frantic during the bridge and chorus, keeping the song upbeat and somewhat reminiscent of Bayside. This leads into the even quicker “Living,” generating the sense that the whole EP will be of similar pace. While not quite as polished as the opener, “Living” is a short burst adding a little more diversity to the band’s sound (as well as that of their original acts). The title track, “Last Days of Rome” and, “Grey Coloured Glasses.”” slow the pace a little, diversifying from the opening two tracks and, once again, adding further to the band’s well-rounded sound. This is then all tied together very neatly with “Death Means Nothing To Men Like Me,” which plays as the perfect combination of each proceeding track.

While obviously taking a lot of influence from their previous efforts, Daytrader has a lot of potential and mass appeal (beyond that of the aforementioned bands). That being said, Last Days of Rome is solid release despite the slight sense of disappointment of there are only being five songs. These five tracks however, in addition to the three released previously on their initial demo, are a strong basis for a full length (which is hopefully in the near future). For a band with only eight songs released, it is safe to say that Daytrader are on to something pretty spectacular.

Score: 9/10
Review written by: Naomi Carson

James Shotwell
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