Having marked their arrival this year with a string of releases and appearances on festival lineups alongside San Cisco, Ruby Fields, Fool Nelson and more – Perth indie-rock quartet Daisy Park this week reveal their emotionally charged debut EP On Your Own.
On Your Own is a four track nostalgia-tinged indie record, reminiscent of the early work of The Vaccines. Standing at the crossroads of adulthood, it’s a vulnerable exploration of change, identity and heartache – a glowing desire to take the next steps of your journey while also feeling the nerves of the unknown. Despite the personal self-doubt heard across the lyrics, the EP itself is a confident, cohesive first release, from a band with a clear vision of the direction they wanted this to take.
Daisy Park capture the anxieties of maturing and the monotonous blur of uncertainty and doubt that often hides behind forced smiles. As vocalist Fyn Slarke explains: “‘On Your Own’ seemed like it was a fitting title for our debut EP. It focuses on feelings of isolation while growing up and finding yourself in adulthood – coming into your own person and finding your way through the noise.”
And it is in fact title track On Your Own that shines brightest on this EP. A story of trying to be there for others while dealing with your own mental health struggles. It details the battle of putting yourself first without being swallowed by selfish guilt, there’s something about the soaring lyrics atop the sadness-tinged guitars that make this one really stand out.
Opening track Talking starts big with heavy guitars, giving way to a skin-tight rhythm section that builds the backbone of the track. It’s a balance between loud and quiet on this one, allowing the full range of the band – from the vocals to the drum fills – to get a moment in the spotlight. It’s a clever way to open an EP, almost like an introduction to each member of the band. I’m glad they put this here and didn’t start go for the obvious opener, On Your Own.
Always is the more anthemic, rock track of the album (think Wunderhorse and Slow Pulp), building to its big chorus. As with all tracks on the album, buried beneath the indie rock frontage are layers of fuzzy synths, syncopated percussion and atmospheric textures – unveiling something new and special with each listen.
Daisy Park are set to launch ‘On Your Own’ at The Bird in Perth on November 21, closing out the most exciting year of the band’s young career. Having quickly built a dedicated following in the WA music scene, it’s clear that Daisy Park are ready to take their coming-of-age sound far beyond their hometown.
Find out more about Daisy Park here.