“I only love you when you’re gone, lonely hearts just don’t belong.“
Since her emergence in 2015, Daya has indulged in a wide variety of sounds and influences. Her debut self-titled EP — which later blossomed into a full-length, Sit Still, Look Pretty — drew from the early pop sound of the 2010s that the likes of Katy Perry had developed. Since then, Daya has released a number of singles and EPs, with tracks such as “Left Me Yet” drawing on house and club music with booming beats. 2021’s The Difference showcased a range of sounds, as well as notably leaning into singer-songwriter moments on “Montana“. This scattered discography has perhaps made it difficult to define who and what Daya is, both sonically and aesthetically. However, the aforementioned EP did begin to show signs of definition in both regards.
The Difference saw scatterings of melancholia in its latter half, and an overall evolution in the structuring and complexity of its tracks. This has put Daya on strong footing for what follows in the form of her third EP, In Between Dreams. While it is once again a brief offering, comprised of four tracks, it firmly usher Daya into a new era that will hopefully see her potential realised. Opening track “Love You When You’re Gone” eases the listener into In Between Dreams and its new stylings. A strumming bassline drives the track, accompanied by precise synths that provide depth alongside some delicate guitarwork. Laden with effective vocal and instrumental hooks, particularly that of the main chorus, it’s a catchy affair that is easy to get caught up in.
Whilst the opener teases hints of 80s influences, “New Romantic” fully embraces these characteristics in the form a 80s-esque love ballad. Despite being the most drawn back track of In Between Dreams, it’s the one that steals the heart. “Hold me close while we escape to a world that is far away from here” is one of the many sweet lyrics that causes a lovesick smile to emerge on the face. Synths offer up a subtle ambience that, along with some glistening keywork, gives life to the chorus. The nostalgic, romantic feel that permeates the track is reminiscent of that explored in films such as Career Opportunities (1991) and Kuffs (1992), lending it an extra layer of charm.
The toe-tapping, shimmy-inducing beats return with “See You In My Dreams Tonight“, with its chorus exploding out in an infectious 90s/00s dance beat. With a run time of 2:39, it does feel especially short in the context of a four-track EP and a missed opportunity to flesh the track out further; by the time its crispy and entrancing beat has fully begun to take a hold of the track, it all comes to an end. Closer “Her” sees In Between Dreams become much more intimate before it departs, drawing in Daya’s gorgeous vocal performance that, alongside tender lyricism such as “Because I’m thinking of her, thinking of her, thinking of her,” displays the all-consuming nature of the love-laden memories within its narrative. While it does take a questionable step, its bridge jumping out into a deep, bouncing deep beat with heavily-effected vocals, that bold decision does prevent the EP from quietly closing out.
The lasting impression of In Between Dreams is a yearning for more from Daya. It’s a short and sweet exploration of what will hopefully become Daya’s staple sound in the coming years. The combination of catchy hooks, infatuating lyricism and bittersweet melancholy that is sprinkled with nostalgia creates something that is truly addictive. This, partnered with its digestible nature, makes it a release that is easy to return to, and it will no doubt receive many repeat spins from listeners. Should this cohesive and enticing EP prove a taste of what is to come, Daya will firmly make their mark on this decade.
7.5/10
In Between Dreams is out this Friday via Sandlot Records, and can be pre-ordered here.