A Post Apocalyptic Journey with Nuclear Daisies' Upcoming Album

Photo By Gabriel Hernandez

Music these days seems to completely distort time and space—and with Nuclear Daisies’, made up of members: Rob Glynn (ex-Temple of Angels), Alex Gehring (Ringo Deathstarr) and Robby Williams, upcoming album, that couldn’t be truer. Listening to First Taste of Heaven feels like I’ve got one foot in the future and one in the past. From the generous sneak peek we were given, it’s hard to pin down exactly what this sound is…it feels on the verge of what is current, yet also really nostalgic. It’s like an ethereal resurgence of that 90s alt sound, but reimagined under the light of what music’s future could be.

The sound of this album gives off contrasting themes to me: like vulnerability and strength, freedom and control. I think what creates that contrast is the blend of soft, ethereal vocals from Alex Gerhrig alongside layered background harmonies. There’s a strong presence of drum and bass throughout, and it instantly transports me to a new era (kind of) something that feels familiar, yet completely futuristic. Think underground rave, but darker, more atmospheric in some tracks, but other being a tone that seems more ember-lit and warm.

A couple of tracks have already been released—“Dandelion Wine” and “Infinite Joy.” While “Dandelion Wine” gives me that 70s euphoric sunshine kind of vibe, “Infinite Joy” feels cool and sleek, like a soundtrack for late-night city streets and dark sunglasses.

“Dandelion Wine” carries a brighter tone that gives it this warm, hypnotic energy. The electrifying sounds feel like they sit just above the skin. Vocals flow right along with the instrumentals, it’s one of those songs that just feels like a full vibe. The bass and drumline especially stand out, adding structure and a kind of beautiful intensity to the whole track.

“Infinite Joy” is hands-down my favorite. I love a song like this for a walk in the night, it’s like a cool breeze with a heavy bassline that rattles through you. The tone is a little darker than the others, but it still holds onto that out-of-body, floaty feeling that makes the album feel so unique.

This album is definitely beyond a collection of songs, it’s an experience. It tapped into memories from the 90s for me, and let’s be real, we all crave that feeling sometimes. That sense of nostalgia shows up in moments that feel just close enough to the present to sting a little. It’s something you really have to experience to fully understand. There are creative layers of noise, drenched-out bass, and rhythmic drums that take you for a ride. The group mentioned this project was meant to emulate a specific vibe, and that’s exactly what it does.

I definitely recommend this album if you're looking for a musical journey, something that taps into a headspace you might’ve forgotten about, or maybe one you’ve never experienced. This psychedelic-dystopian rock hybrid style of music has never left, but it is one that I personally have not sat down to check-in on in a very long time. Although it is not my usual style, it would be crazy to say that there’s not a deep appreciation and connection I felt when listening to the full album.

Keep your eyes (all three) peeled for First Taste of Heaven dropping August 1st, and in the meantime, give those pre-released tracks a listen-through. You might just catch yourself floating. And if music keeps heading in the direction this retro-futuristic sound is suggesting, then I’m honestly excited for what’s next.