Since I picked my copy, Days is the only thing that’s on rotation. I’m absolutely thrilled with it: sound, track list, lyrics, unity, fluidity, you get it right? While Real Estate’s self titled was a delight, it was the tip of the iceberg for these New Jersey natives. Days is their submergence into the soft beach rock sound that your ear craves.
“Easy” literally eases you into the entire album. Constructing the relationship that’s the focal point of the album, creating vivid images, gentle riffs that ebb and flow in your ear. You’re led into this relationship with Real Estate and it involves different colored leaves, aimless drives, picturesque scenery, it’s the most hip relationship you’ve ever been in and you better take a picture with a polaroid camera quickly.
“Green Aisles” is a dream both reminiscent in it’s lyrics and hushed percussion, it’s a lullaby that quickly gets juxtaposed with “It’s Real”, a shorter but most upbeat track found on the album. And here’s where I lose my shit: “Kinder Blumen” (Child flower? I’ll save title analysis for another blog). Upon hearing the guitar riff for the first time, you’re automatically in a different mind-set. You’re far away from whatever reality you may have to face for the next 3 minutes and 56 seconds. There’s something about instrumental tracks that really resonate with me and it’s especially bound to happen with the seemingly effortless strumming and plucking that makes this song so lush.
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the album was having Alex Bleeker (bass) sing “Wonder Years”, one of the more honest and up-front songs lyrically. “I’m not yours/ And you’re not mine/ And I’m not okay but I guess I’m doing fine”. Exemplifying the harsh realities of romantic relationship constructions.
Along with Real Estate’s ability to capture memories of youthful experiences and romantic feelings, they’re best at taking the ambiguity of those times and simplifying them into that “ah-ha!” moment; providing for more forward and focused vocals (Martin Courtney). The album is still chop-full of reverb and echo’s, as expected, but altogether it’s much more clear and direct. As a whole, Days is seamless, no track is out of place, it’s a true gem of an album for 2011. You’re undoubtedly able to listen to the cyclical guitar riffs for days, as you should.
Real Estate – Municipality by DominoRecordCo
