Article by: Jason Robey
The opening chord strumming of “Step Back” is exactly that – a nine-second refresher on the emo-tinted alternative rock that permeated radio from the late 90s to early 2000s, when the members of the Texas rock group Autumn Walker were growing up and shaping their musical futures. As the rest of the band brings the song to its full potential, the mid-tempo opening track to Autumn Walker’s full-length debut, Daydreamer, explodes into a wall of melodic guitars and thunderous rhythm.
Drummer Dan Flynn kicks the tempo up a couple notches on the second track, the punk rock “NSOR,” punctuated by inventive guitar riffs by vocalist / guitarist Lodin Fortenberry. The band continues to show its range with the ballad, “Andre,” an ode to people-watching with brilliant storytelling in Fortenberry’s lyrics.
The atmospheric drone of “Barking At the Buddha,” released as a single last summer, is one of the most interesting tracks on the Daydreamer, as it floats like clouds from verse to verse. In sharp contrast, songs like “Short Stacks” and the album’s title track highlight the tight-rhythm, hard rock side of the band.
The follow-up to a six-track EP, Daydreamer is an eclectic, yet cohesive mix of styles and moods, from a promising and talented young band. Over ten the record’s 10 songs, Autumn Walker displays a knack for interesting layers and effects, while remaining accessible and full of catchy hooks.