Elijah Johnston has made a name for himself in Athens, Georgia following the release of his four studio albums. On Friday January 14th, Johnston released his fifth album, Day Off and performed it for Athens to hear live for the first time. Here is our review and breakdown of Day Off.
“Greatest Hits”
The first single to be released at the beginning of 2021, “Greatest Hits” sets the tone for Day Off. With a very easy-going sound, this song emanates a blissful and hopeful energy. One of my favorite lyrics is “It’s just the same as anywhere else, but I’ve never been somewhere where I felt like more myself.” Having this song as the first one on the album, leaves the listener ready to experience more.
“Molly Haskell”
Following “Greatest Hits” is “Molly Haskell”- the second single released in preparation for this album. The chords are super catchy and are one of my favorite parts of this song. The chorus picks up the pace and turns it into a great upbeat song to dance around to. Johnston’s lyrics radiate heartfelt emotions that carry the heaviness of missing someone.
“Swimming Pool”
Opening with an edgy and restless sound, “Swimming Pool” portrays the feelings of indifference and apprehension that we all experience at some point in our lives. This song is one of my favorites on the album because of its gritty realness. It’ll make you want to jump around your room while you belt out the lyrics in your loudest voice.
“Hideout/ 100k”
Slowing it down after “Swimming Pool” comes “Hideout/ 100K”. These two songs synced together on the same track make for an interesting transition. With lyrics about spending special time with a partner in seclusion, “Hideout” is filled with promises. The progression into “100K” fits seamlessly. It follows the flow of “Hideout” and develops an almost hopeless yearning for someone, the opposite energy that is prevalent in “Hideout” and mellows out through the end. Artistically, I see both of these songs complex and intriguing with how they fit together.
“Horse Girl” ft. Zac Crook
One of the most anticipated releases on this album, “Horse Girl” takes on a country feel with a lot of twang and cowboy references. This song reminds me of spinning around in the kitchen with a partner or loved one. The harmonizing near the end is one of my favorite aspects of this song. It gives it such a homey and warm ambiance.
“Hornet’s Nest”
Opening with soft guitars and melodies, “Hornet’s Nest” almost begins like a lullaby. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up and transforms the sound. The harmonies that begin in the middle of the song are truly beautiful and add such a dream-like substance to the song. After, the tempo slows again and the listener is brought back to the soft sounds that were introduced in the beginning. The transitions between this song creates genuine emotion and feeling.
“Bet the House”
This is one of my favorite songs on this album simply because of its earnest and sincere lyrics. One thing about Johnston’s lyrics is that he always evokes so much emotion within them. “Bet the House” describes feelings of patiently waiting for someone and feeling hopeless within a relationship. But also having hope that everything was okay when you were together. Very heartfelt.
“What We’re Made Of”
Hearing this song for the first time live in Athens was an experience. The whole room was quiet as Johnston performed. You could feel the music and verses radiate throughout the crowd. It was a very intimate performance. This song gives me nostalgic feelings of young love during the summer time, special moments of openness and authenticity. I think my favorite song on the album and I will forever have a memory attached to it.
“On a Good Day”
Ending Day Off is “On a Good Day”. The longest song on the record, this song brings back the twang that we heard in “Horse Girl” that is very reminiscent of 70’s acoustic rock. The beginning half of the song carries this energy. Near the middle, the pace picks up and the song becomes electric with intriguing harmonies throughout. This was the perfect song to end the album off with because it encompasses the energy of each song and closes it off perfectly.
Recap
Day Off is such an eclectic album and showcases the many talents that Elijah and his bandmates hold. If you have yet to listen, we highly recommend it as it is one of our favorite releases this month. You can find the link to the album below and if you ever have the chance to hear these songs live, don’t miss the opportunity, you will not be disappointed.
Hypnotic Bolt 