April Daze - April Daze

April Daze

April Daze
self-released; 2015

4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

April Daze is a band from Remscheid/Germany that has a long history. Back in 1997 April Daze was a four-piece band comprised of Carsten Boecker (vocals/guitar), Tobias Kaps (drums), Oliver Muehlbauer (bass) and Stephan Orth (guitar). In 1999 you may heard their first single “Suck My Energy” and may even be familiar with their debut album Soma that they released two years later. 

As time went on members left and the relationship with the label deteriorated. Through the turbulent times Boecker persevered by turning April Daze into a solo effort. He recently released his self-titled album April Daze, which is a very well produced effort that seamlessly combines electronic and organic instrumentation.

The songs on April Daze combine just enough experimental tendencies with pop sensibility. I was sometimes reminded of Blur and even Smashing Pumpkins when they got into their electronic era. Boecker is an extremely talented songwriter who has a knack for writing sing-along worthy vocal melodies that also happen to be backed by his appealing voice. 

There is enough diversity and variation amongst these songs that Boecker keeps you engaged and guessing. That being said he never wanders off into territory that seems unconnected to the general vibe of the album. The album starts off with “I Need To Get Down” which is dark but also dance worthy. Boecker sounds a bit like Billy Corgan on the verse when he sings, “And I need to get down.” It’s a great opener with disparate elements that feel like ear candy. I had high hopes for Boecker after the first track and he didn’t disappoint as the album progressed.

“The Same” is arguably the most single worthy song on the album. The chorus is instantly catchy and I loved the way the fat, distorted bass drove the song forward. The music on “Fade” reminded me of a less serious NIN song. The lyrics, eerie piano and some of  the programming definitely had some similarities. Overall, “Fade” was one of the highlights on the album. Great stuff. 

 As the album progress it continues to impress. The jazzy, noir like “(I'm Around) All of the Time”  to “When I Come Home” are great songs. I won’t give away everything but I will say this album has no duds. Highly Recommended. 

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