Sometimes the light hits in just the right way, where it’s blinding, but still feels so good, makes us feel alive. Micah Dailey’s Flower Festival threads that needle with warm sonic textures and free-flowing, psych-infused melodies. Age is one for the bright spots, a beacon turning darkness into welcoming shade. Lithe chord progressions and loose feelings move and bounce on buoyant rhythms unfolding like tangled aural ropes. Whimsy bleeds into the arrangements, but it’s often overwhelmed by wistful resignation. This dichotomy is the lifeblood driving Age, adding layers to the harmonic architecture.
Dailey is joined by a cache of stellar collaborators, from Lonna Kelley, Michael Krassner, Nicholas Krgovich, and Sam Wenc to his nephew Ethan, and everyone creates an effervescent kaleidoscope of learning to embrace the letting go. This feeling bleeds into the ramshackle textures spread across one of the album’s standout tracks, “Get Over It.” Acoustic plucks and wistful pads cradle Dailey’s aching voice in gauzy ephemera. When the quiet comes, and things begin to break apart, a surprising calmness drifts through, ready to be followed up by the rising fires in “How Wonderful.” Age is a dense and beautiful work.
Stream the entirety of Age below, exclusively at Foxy Digitalis. Pre-order the album on vinyl and digital formats from Anxiety Blanket. It’s one hell of a ride.
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