release date: Sep. 14, 2004
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,58]
producer: Andreas Ahlenius, Saybia
label: EMI-Medley - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: 1. "Brilliant Sky" - 2. "Bend the Rules" - 3. "I Surrender" (4 / 5) - 4. "Guardian Angel" - 6. "Soul United" - *11. [untitled]
*unlisted song with a running time at 17:22
2nd studio album by Saybia released 2½ years after the acclaimed debut is like that produced by Saybia and Swedish producer Andreas Ahlenius. The album marks a slight change of style by being lesser crafted as a mere rock album - there's a bolder use of acoustic instrumentation with piano, acoustic guitar and strings as opposed to electric guitars and keyboards, although, the first two compositions take off in an orchestrated electrified production.
Following an acclaimed debut, These Are the Days didn't quite meet the expectations, despite also topping the national chart list, and it also appears as pointing in at least two different directions. It starts off with britpop electrified energy and then slows down with singer / songwriter material, and then it all ends with a strong progressive rock anthem, which makes you wonder where they will go after this. Even after years and dozens of full listenings, it really feels very unresolved when it clings out after close to 60 mins.
Saybia still sounds like Coldplay and Keane, but I also hear inspiration from Radiohead and Mew, which isn't entirely something bad - I just end up asking myself what Saybia is all about 'cause I can't decide whether it's the first power track, the beautiful soft pop / rock ballad, "I Surrender", or the post rock-inspired end-composition that marks the true highlight of this album. Not that any particular track necessarily needs to sum up the album's strengths, but it just exemplifies how impossible it is to point to that personal trait of what Saybia is, and I think that's not only the album's biggest weakness but also Saybia's. Having said that, I do think it's a mighty fine collection of worthy pop / rock material, which should not be forgotten and which also stands quite strongly against artists like Keane and Coldplay, imho.
[ Gaffa.dk 4 / 6 stars ]
