Review 84 DAYS “84 Days”

84 Days is the collaboration of four heavyweights of melodic punk rock. Producer Cameron Webb, Pennywise bassist Randy Bradbury, No Doubt drummer Adrian Young, and The Vandals guitarist Warren Fitzgerald are 84 Days, and the four-piece have launched a self-titled debut album.

The band is Bradbury’s brainchild as he wanted to write some music for himself. He presented the result to Cameron Webb, who immediately recognised its potential. The debut album was underway.

“Mockingbird Brains” is the album’s opener, and some of you may recognise the tune as it was the album’s lead single. It’s an energetic rock song with a catchy melody and a rebellious attitude. With lyrics about brainwashing and being stuck in your own world, the song also embodies the punk aesthetic. “Find Your Way Back Home” takes a similar approach. These infectious hooks work from the moment you first listen to the songs. With references to Pennywise, Bad Religion and Green Day, the songs on “84 Days” resonate with a familiar sound. Compared to Bradbury’s musical mothership, the “84 Days” songs are more mid-paced yet still bursting with energy.

Photo: Johnny-B

It feels like listening to music by guys who clearly enjoyed working on this album. There are great vibes and a lot of fun embedded in these eleven songs, making listening to the anthemic “Wasting the Night” a great experience. Driven by Bradbury’s grooving bass, tunes like “Staying Alive” unfold immediately, as does “Don’t Look Back”. You won’t have to wait long to appreciate these songs, as they have an infectious nature.

“Hostage of the Game” is the darker moment on the album, with lyrics that are worth exploring. The same goes for the second single release – “Don’t Trust the Government”. The song is about taking responsibility for yourself, because the government will not save you. It’s a song about trusting your instincts and questioning authority. Well, this is the rebellious spirit of punk rock, isn’t it? And it’s captured really well on this album.

84 Days is a group of musicians who enjoy the musical creativity that comes with working outside the usual framework of their musical home base. Based on pure passion for melodic punk rock, this album, with its vibrant rock songs, is a delight to listen to.