Allday soothes with new album ‘Starry Night over the Phone’
The third album from the Aussie artist is largely a healing breakup anthem that builds an atmosphere of its own.
There’s something about Allday that just isn’t of this world. His music has an energy that transports you to another realm whether you like it or not. It takes you out of the present moment — and that’s why his latest project is so excellent.
Starry Night over the Phone is mostly a breakup album, and there’s nothing you want more when you’re feeling those feelings than to be somewhere else. Or maybe sometime else. Opening track Restless may begin with a dancehall rhythm, but you’re more likely to be taken back to 2007 when you hear The Veronicas on the hook. It turns out Aussie rap, dancehall drums and The Veronicas are a fire combination because Restless is a great intro to Starry Night over the Phone.
We’re instantly taken back to the familiar Allday vibe with Don’t Wanna Push You Away Anymore. The track is almost excruciatingly laidback, especially so because it was originally released with much more energy and then changed for the album release. But it’s the Allday we love with a masterful use of autotune rivalling Kanye West, Bon Iver or Post Malone.
The rest of the project traverses the thought processes post-breakup. Blaming yourself for all the pain and tears on Atmosphere, one of the more melancholy moments. Best Life describes the point where you decide to quit worrying and move on. You’d better stop messing around and make a move on If Not Now, When? and Wonder Drug reflects on the way we wait around for the perfect moments that will never come.
It’s been a huge week for Allday. He’s dropped this new album, taken on Triple J’s Like a Version with an awesome cover of Big Yellow Taxi, and then teamed up with The Veronicas again during his Splendour in the Grass set with an epic cover of Untouched.
Based on this effort, I think we’re set to see a big year from Allday. There are multiple tracks on Starry Night over the Phone that deserve to see commercial success. He’s offering a unique brand of alternative rap music that isn’t being replicated (well) by anyone else in the industry. Give Allday a listen, your heart and soul will be better for it.
