ALBUM REVIEW: “Hazy Days“ by Vanarin

Photo by Andrea Benedetta Bonaschi

Anglo-Italian band Vanarin’s new proposal Hazy Days is an endearing adventure through the cracks of being young and its many silver linings.

The project starts with the fun and youthful Hey listen, a track best described as a potpourri of journeys, which perfectly introduces the mix between the uncertainty of adolescence and an analog aesthetic that gives a nostalgia component to the album. This eclectic mix is also recognisable in the musical identity of the compilation, which doesn’t shy away from nu soul and progressive rock tendencies.

It seems like the concept around Hazy Days was precisely that boyish obscurity of the earlier years seen from the future, through the lenses of self-reflection and yearning for simpler times. This abstraction grounds itself in My circle, an ode to success and doing what you want with what you have. Fantastically composed, the production reminds the listener of early 2000 psychedelic hymn Electric Feel by duo MGMT. Fourth in the tracklist, I don’t know, the most popular song of the record so far, continues exploring these initiated themes of juvenile confusion in an Art-Pop sound by the likes of Jack Strauber.

This run is followed by Lost, embodying its name flawlessly by embracing the haze before clarity in a trippy, float-inducing tune. On that note, the LP seems to approach its eclecticism in a more settled manner than genre peers such as Tame Impala. When talking about the energy exuded, this particular calmness in the boundary-pushing blend evokes familiar yet exciting scenes one can’t quite point out, making the deal more electrifying altogether.

It is after the jolly A fly on the wall that the album ties itself together with Memories, a true anthem dedicated to the reminiscing romantics and those searching to put into words past experiences of personal evolution.

Though released in January, Hazy Days’ freshness feels like it belongs to short summer escapades with friends, and won’t be leaving the rotation anytime close to the warmer months. It is a project most listeners will find a piece of their childhood in, from both the relatable story-telling to the musical references (though possibly accidental) straight out of a coming-of-age movie.

Listen to the album:

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