84 Days has released their highly anticipated debut self-titled album, out now via Double Helix Records and in partnership with SBAM Records (EU) and Pee Records (AUS/NZ/JPN). The record is a collaboration of epic proportions; 84 Days is Randy Bradbury, bassist for legendary punk group Pennywise, and Grammy-winning producer Cameron Webb. The band also tapped in No Doubt’s Adrian Young to drum on the self-titled debut, in addition to supplemental guitar work from The Vandals’ Warren Fitzgerald. Without very much fanfare at all thats a pretty impressive line up right there, some serious unit shifters to be fair. But is it any good, I hear you call?

Bradbury spoke in the run up to the release of how much of a joy it was to write and make this record, gone were any pressures, and the record could flow in whatever direction the music would take them, and so it begins.

The eleven tracks begin with ‘Mockingbird Brains’, bursting with energy wrapped in a full, punchy production. Sure, there are, of course, elements of the day job coursing through this. But it’s a great opener that has your attention and will have you air drumming along by the second chorus, no question. To be fair, that energy runs from one to eleven and ebbs and flows really well. The aptly titled ‘Don’t Trust The Government’ puts a foot in a well-produced grungey territory as the tale unfolds of a tale old as time.

‘Wasting The Night’ taps into the Green Day melodies that have served them so well, but it’s the quality of the melodies and songs in general that carry this over the line from being a copycat kinda record to something a little left of centre but having the DNA of authenticity to carry it home.

If, say, Bad Religion made a record this strong, the American Music press would be having a fit and heralding the return of the great underground champs. The middle of the record settles into mid-tempo punk rock, mixing up harder rock elements for good measure, with ‘Never Find The Righteous’ being the best of a strong bunch, with an excellent riff that punches into the chorus.

There are no sing-along ballads, lighters in the air moments of tenderness, it’s a heartfelt bunch of escapisms with lyrics about nostalgia and real life narrating through some great playing and great riffs from an album that doesn’t disappoint from top to bottom. I believe there will be live shows to follow, which is where I expect these songs to really come to life and take them to the next level. 84 Days band and album is a winner and one you won’t regret spinning. sake!

This is a record that makes you feel alive and inspired, that makes you fall in love with music again, reminds you of the power and joy that can be found in hearing something for the sake of music no bullshit, just guys having a great time writing the best stuff they can and delivering. Trusting the process and riding the wave of PMA and the magic that can be rock and roll. Providing the escape from the often toxic world we live in today, Go make it happen and turn it up for fucks.

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