‘Dayglow: Superbloom’ is a joyful junk-drawer of delightful summer sounds

Recommended Tracks: “Self-Esteem,” “Ricochet,” “Little Alien Spacemen”
Similar Artists: Wallows, GROUPLOVE, Declan McKenna

Sloan Struble, better known by his stage name Dayglow, has just released a deluxe edition of his self-titled album, Dayglow, which was released in September of last year. This deluxe edition is entitled Dayglow: Superbloom, featuring an additional six new tracks. Almost all of these were released alongside delightful, scrapbook-style lyric videos.

Sloan has been teasing these additional tracks for a few months now, uploading a variety of snippets to his social media platforms before officially announcing it on Thursday, June 5th.

These deluxe tracks only elevate the already striking, authentic self-titled project, beginning with my favorite track, “Self-Esteem.” It’s artistically produced, featuring bouncy tambourines, synths, and guitars that make the track such a treat to listen to. The song’s lyrics delve into a seemingly endless journey of self-discovery, accompanied by the indecisiveness that comes with it. Deciding to make peace with what you see in the mirror, even if it’s a work in progress.

Following that, “Atlantis,” is a guitar and drum-heavy toe-tapping earworm. The lyrics take the listener through a journey under the sea. Serving as a visual for the desire to escape pressures and expectations placed upon you in life that you never seem to truly fulfill. It features a uniquely distorted bridge that gives it a sound as if it were being played underwater. 

“Richocet” is boisterous and rambunctious in the best possible way. The lyrics explore the exhausting impossibility of attempting perfect conformity and instead choose to be unapologetically oneself. Making the point that life isn’t about the cards you’re dealt but rather how you play them. As seen in visual lyrics like “It might not be everything that you wanted/But you can roll with the punch if you throw it down.”

“Little Alien Spaceman” is a delightful ditty that explores daydreams of something more out-of-this-world. It’s a groovy, techno-inspired track that evokes adorable imagery of little alien space creatures wandering around who may not be so different from us.

“All-Star #1” introduces itself as a charming, daydreamy track about appreciating the beauty within the simplicity found in true love. The song employs echoey production within its instrumentals to capture the vibe of a distant, wistful, lovestruck memory. Love has never been a primary focus of Sloan’s albums, but it is always a pleasing addition when included. 

Finally, the album concludes with “Superbloom,” bringing the project to a total of 16 songs, including the 10 original tracks. In “Superbloom,” Struble takes the listener along with him as he reflects and retells his coming-of-age journey. Mentioning the move from his home state of Texas to southern California, his struggle of going outside his comfort zone, and eventually concluding that it was worth it, as he is where he was meant to be after all.

Overall these deluxe tracks, as well as Dayglow’s discography in general, are an electrifying standout in the broader indie scene. The modern music sphere often feels repetitive or monotonous when searching for new sounds. However, Dayglow consistently comes out swinging with vivacious tracks that are so chock-full of life and originality every time.

The creativity, passion, and artistry in all of Struble’s projects are palpable to every listener. In an era when authenticity and personality are desired more than ever, Dayglow never falters when it comes to making music truly his own. Never falsified, never half-baked, and never concerned with the opinions of others. It’s captivatingly clamorous, entertainingly in-your-face, and colorfully charming – it’s simply Dayglow!

Listen to the deluxe below:

Keep up with Dayglow on his socials: Website // Spotify // Instagram // YouTube // X // TikTok