Later Daze teaches a masterclass in pop rock with new single “Walk it Off”
LA-based indie pop rock outfit Later Daze are no strangers to the breakup song. With a popular tracklist of melancholic love songs, frontwoman Julia Passannante has demonstrated her knack for creating painfully relatable love songs in her signature tenor drawl. However, Later Daze’s latest release “Walk it Off” feels like the culmination of their exploration of the pop rock genre thus far - a track with a catchy-as-hell melody, a larger-than-life pop chorus and devastating lyrics, all laid on top of an upbeat, danceable drum track.
“Walk it Off” opens with an ambient synth intro; a timeless pop sound that satisfies a craving for sounds from the 80’s through today’s hits. With an uptick lately of chart-topping pop acts like Chappell Roan and Charli xcx utilizing similar synth sounds (to uproaring success), Later Daze has their finger on the pulse of today’s pop music. But the song takes a satisfying new shape as the band brings in their rock roots, as crunchy guitar and thick bass sounds fill the remaining space from guitarist Scott Rivello and guest bassist Grant L’Heureux (succeeded soon after by badass new bassist Rei Sungdrury).
The track explodes to life with a powerful introduction of the drum kit by drummer Noah Powell, kicking off a song that brings Later Daze’s discography to a new caliber - a true “oh shit!” moment, if you will. The single’s tight drum track is beautifully mixed with a punchy kick that begs to be danced along to. The drums bring a tangible energy to the song that can only be achieved through the acoustic drum kit.
Where a well-written pop song such as this might lean on midi drums and electronic sounds to fill its space, real and raw instruments give the song its shape and make it distinctively Later Daze’s. The marriage of pop and rock sounds is certainly not a new concept, but in the case of “Walk it Off,” highlights from each genre (like strong melodies and fun guitar riffs) uniquely strengthen each verse and chorus through to the end.
Julia harmonizes with Noah’s vibey background vocals in the track’s outro, bridging the dueling vocal styles of the rapid verse vocals and spacey chorus in a satisfying blend. Her deep, rich voice shines especially bright in this track, in both the moody, rambling verses and the bellowing chorus.
“Walk it Off” seems to debut a strong new direction for Later Daze, tapping into the power of their rhythm section and showcasing the height of their pop songwriting potential.
Stream Later Daze on Spotify and keep up with them on Instagram @_laterdaze _
