photo courtesy of H A U N T E R
H A U N T E R is a duo now. Sander Bryce of Really From’s long-running sampletronica/jazz solo project has now blossomed into a band, all due to a chance encounter with a family member he didn’t even know existed until recently. Bryce met Jonah Levine, his musically inclined cousin and now H A U N T E R electronics/keys/production extraordinaire, for the first time at a wedding a few years back. Coincidentally, Levine was already a fan of Bryce’s college band, Boston mathcore heroes I Kill Giants, and the two made vague plans to work on music together, but the thread dropped when Levine decamped to Australia to work on some unrelated music business projects.
Fast forward a few years and an offer from Levine to help publicize a new batch of H A U N T E R tracks quickly evolved into virtual jam sessions via file transfer. His additions proved to be musically invigorating, and the promotional acumen added onto the top helped Bryce expand the scope of his vision into the double LP they now have out today. It’s safe to say that that sense of freedom and discovery is reflected in the nature of DREAM THE DAY AWAY. Utilizing guest vocalists and musicians more than ever before, Bryce’s decision to let go of the reins opened up the project in a way he had never foreseen. Inspired by the kitchen-sink approach of his heroes on the BRAINFEEDER label, the record touches on indie rock, jazz, ambient, drum and bass, hip hop, and a whole host of other genres without losing sight of its connective thread. Bryce and Levine see DREAM as a lengthy piece with five distinct movements, each grouping of songs resembling a different part of the dreaming process. While little direction was given to their guests beyond buying into the concept, the end result is a potent collection of songs about the hope that comes with pushing through the dark phases we face in life.
H A U N T E R were kind enough to break down each of these sections for us on DREAM THE DAY AWAY’s release date, so hit play and read along as you journey through the album.
SECTION 1: This Is For You, Are You Mad?, 8 8 8, Brain Cells
DREAM THE DAY AWAY starts off with self-reflection. The first few tracks take you on a path through your mind and reminds you that there are things you aren’t in control of. Daydreaming is the stream of consciousness that detaches from current, external tasks when attention drifts to a more personal and internal direction. This record internalizes this consciousness and turns it into an experience in self-doubt, figuring out what is best for yourself, and “waking up.”
The first movement of songs paint a canvas of lush chords, uplifting melodies, and a generally positive feeling. “This Is For You” is a set of instructions to start your journey through the record. “Are You Mad?” and “8 8 8” are both an experience in self-doubt. The lyric ‘I want the whole piece’ from “8 8 8” is about deserving the very best for yourself, but feeling afraid to ask for it. As your mind continues to doubt and wander, “Brain Cells” kicks off with the lyric ’I can’t stay focused.’
SECTION 2: Whammo, We Are Gonna Be Okay, These Tides, Peace Signs, We Never Met
After eventually closing your eyes, you enter a dream-like state and finally give in. “We Are Gonna Be Okay” is the warm blanket that relaxes you into your dreams. While you fight with yourself against self-doubt, uncertainty, and other nightmare-ish feelings, “These Tides” states that you may feel ‘In between seas and skies.’ “Peace Signs” and “We Never Met” are the ideas of putting yourself first, being comfortable getting yourself out there, even if you are just ‘Waiting on the line here with you.’
SECTION 3: Flamingos, Flashback, Jolt, Naruto Run, Floatin
“Flamingos” and “Flashback” begin the belief in yourself and your feelings. Almost validating them. Put the bad thoughts in your head to rest by saying ‘I’m the new, man, you old news like a flashback.’ “Jolt” and “Naruto Run” bring the sobering thoughts forward and keep you saying ‘I’m clean, you’re a drug, there is no common ground.’ As you settle into your day dream, you find yourself “Floatin’” through thoughts and fears, but ‘no one ever told me’ how difficult it would be to find who you really are.
SECTION 4: Nowhere Stairs, Believe In It, Pink And Orange Clouds, Unlucky
The record begins to twist and turn through the next few songs that look inward on your relationship with friends, strangers, and yourself. While holding its composure of jazz-based hip hop and alternative songs, the general feeling lends itself towards that of rapidly changing thoughts and worries.
“Nowhere Stairs” is about exploring your thoughts and fantasies/goals while “Believe In It” and “Pink and Orange Clouds” take those thoughts and goals and actualize them. It’s about putting those goals to action. “Unlucky” then shows you the limits and consequences of achieving goals, it is the deep and dark depth of your fears. How we can play out fantasies in real life, but it usually comes with a price in reality. Peppered with ambient textures of things that keep you up at night, this track addresses the demons that we struggle with everyday. Finally, the nightmare is over, and your mind begins to clear for the first time, and it is time to “wake up.”
SECTION 5: Run Away, Wake Up, A Little Longer, Witching Hour
Overcoming, waking up from a nightmare, wishing we could dream a little longer, our dreams live on for there is always darkness and always a place to escape that darkness.
“Run Away” is about escaping from this dream, but realizing you can’t really return to the past or the reality in which you started before the dream. You must move forward. “Wake Up” is literally waking up from the dream and reflecting on everything that has occurred. “A Little Longer” represents taking more time to dream and asks the question of what if we dreamed a little more about our goals and what if they did come true. Sometimes, it will take a little longer to see the positives in your own self-doubt and fears, but it always resolves itself. “Witching Hour” is then a realization that the darkness of life is always going to be there and it must be embraced.
The album is concluded with a wall of synths, strings, and drums to complete its journey through your thoughts. After a daydream, a nightmare, and a jolt of a wake up, DREAM THE DAY AWAY leaves you with a feeling of excitement, and a touch of darkness.
DREAM THE DAY AWAY is out today, grab a limited run cassette direct from H A U N T E R here or stream it on all platforms.