Album Review: 84 Days Find Hope in Chaos on Their Explosive Debut

The new band 84 Days was founded by Randy Bradbury, the bassist for the legendary punk band Pennywise. What intrigued me about 84 Days is that you have long-time producer and collaborator for Pennywise, Cameron Webb, and the legendary drummer Adrian Young from No Doubt. With this trio collaborating on an album, I didn’t know what to expect, and after the first song, I was hooked.

The opening track “Mockingbird Brains” embodies a classic punk vibe, with an opening riff that reminds me of something I would hear from Social Distortion. It leans into melodic hooks with aggressive instrumentation and a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head all day. The lyrics explore the idea of the media manipulating people, using metaphors of cages, mockingbirds, and brainwashing. “Mockingbird Brains”is a great song to open the album with because it showcases Randy Bradbury's new direction and differentiates itself from Pennywise.

The second track “Find Your Way Back Home” keeps the energy flowing. The lyrics resonate with me, conveying a message that even when you're down, you should look around and realize all that you have. The chorus is my personal favorite because it has an uplifting message, and Adrian Young’s ride work is so catchy. “Find Your Way Back Home” is a melodic punk anthem that is emotional and a reminder to hold onto hope when we feel lost. This is my personal favorite because I can relate to this song on an emotional level. I often feel lost more times than I would like to admit, and the older I get, the more the feeling intensifies.

“Don’t Trust the Government" is a call-to-action track. This is a more traditional punk rock song questioning authority and expressing distrust of authority. The song is distinctive because it serves as both a protest anthem and a source of empowerment. It has the heart of an angry punk while singing “you have to save yourself” as an empowering moment for the listeners.

“Wasting the Night” is both melodic and energetic with an introspective edge. The verse is full of raw punk energy, and the chorus keeps that energy going, but with a more melodic hook. I believe this song will resonate with listeners because everyone has those nights they reflect on, wondering about their choices. I can personally see this song being a crowd-pleaser and the “party song” of the set. 

“Staying Alive” is another emotional punk rock song similar to “Find Your Way Back Home,” but it resonates differently. The lyrics focus more on persevering through tough times and not just simply existing. We all have days when it feels like we're being crushed by the weight of the world, and this song will motivate you to push through. This song is a battle cry for those who are bruised, worn, and beaten down but are still hopeful. The driving guitars and solid rhythm are consistent with the album and the punk rock roots from Randy Bradbury and Adrian Young.

“Don’t Look Down” is an energetic punk-rock song that wears its heart on its sleeve. The guitars and drums maintain the high energy of the album, while the lyrics serve as an uplifting anthem for listeners. I feel like this song blends the themes of internal struggles and external actions found in songs throughout this album.

“Never Find the Righteous” and “Hostage of the Game”maintain the energy, but with a slightly different tone. Both intros don’t have a rhythm guitar track, which contributes to that raw punk attitude. Despite this, the sound remains rich and complete, a challenging feat to accomplish. The lyrics in both songs, just like the rest of the album, are fantastic and will resonate well with listeners, making them great sing-alongs.

“Ticking Away” is another punk anthem that reflects on past regrets. It’s a reminder that life can be hard and it’s easy to live in the past, but we only have one life, and time is ticking away, so learn from your mistakes and live for today. What makes this song stand out is that the instrumentals enhance the lyrics. The instrumentals are playing a more conservative punk beat that allows the listeners to focus on the lyrics and the meaning of the song.

“Walking Through Danger” is a standout track on the album. It's a fusion of The Bouncing Souls' dynamic energy and riffs with the sound of Social Distortion. In essence, this song is packed with raw energy. You combine that energy with lyrics people can relate to and sing along with, and you get a song that will make a crowd go nuts in a live environment.

The final track on the album is “Smiling While We Drown” an ideal choice to close the album. The lyrics wrap up the emotional journey 84 Days brings you on. It ties together themes of urgency, self-reliance, and hope that the band has touched on throughout the album. I also appreciate the song title because it combines two contrasting ideas: smiling, which can result from joy and hope, and drowning, which can result from loss and crisis. It echoes the album’s lyrical story of confronting a chaotic world and responding with resilience and defiance. It's a fitting conclusion to both the album and its lyrical message.

The production on this album is on point for the vibes that are 84 Days. It’s punchy, raw, authentic, but also polished. It truly reminds me of Social Distortion with the clean but gritty tone they are known for. 84 Days sounds authentic, is authentic, and producer Cameron Webb excels in conveying that.

This album is a journey of reflection and healing. I have listened to it in full numerous times, and each time I pick up things that I resonate with. Whether it be the lyrics or the progression of the songs, it feels like an album made for me and my ears. I am incredibly grateful to Randy Bradbury for creating an album that feels so personal.  

This album is not just another punk album. This is a wake-up call! It’s a wake-up call to be human again. Listeners will relate to this album, and it will make you feel alive and inspired. This album has soul, and it reminds me of the joy you can have when creating music with friends. 84 Days' debut album is a must-listen for everyone because we all need to hear the message. You can now stream or purchase 84 Days debut album, and see them as the opening act for The Vandals in December.