With a name like this you cannot expect some occult Balck Metal or 'hairspry' Glam Rock band. And the name is a goodie one; meaning, it possesses a good vibe for the ambitious listener. Bear in mind the band comes off Switzerland - a country with limited yet respected contribution to Hard/Heavy music. It's a sunny day this time I'm finally writing the review and DAYDREAMER succeeds in making me dreaming in the middle of the day. Cheerio...
The contradiction/exchange of heaviness and sweetness in Metal music was always a cause for conflict both in bands' songwriting formulas and - subsequently - Media/fans' feedback(s). Many bands received denial, some other risked in order to get out of the dead-end of straightforwardness, while few are the examples of sufficient equilibriums of the heaven-and-hell. I dunno if 2003 - the year the band was formed in the Land of Clocks and Chocolates - was a year of deceit for DAYDREAMER, but surely what I heard for 5-6 times in a row cannot be mistaken for something else.
No, no, no...the band is not a GOTTHARD clone (2nd generation clash), even if a few (mainstream) parts will remind you of so. DAYDREAMER choose to differentiate their approach somehow, combining Central European - but not strictly 'teutonic' - melodies/harmonies with limited intellectual/prog bridges backed by a (somewhat) 'classic' rhythm section. Omitting the rhythm section, to tell the truth, limited the chances would be to have a review in a mag like Metal Temple, but...what the heck? I read in the band's official some statement 'bout DAYDREAMER offering music in the 'field' of bands like (my beloved) AXXIS and - even if this info is not as accurate as expected - some good amount of truth lies herein. Plus - apparent enough - various signs will guide you to the EDGUY-similar conclusion.
The strong ace of DAYDREAMER can as well be the vocalist himself. Jean-Marc Viller has this kinda voice that can upgrade the band's music at 'first sting'. Powerful, melodic and 'travelling', his warmness is peculiar but his governance ends to be certain. The dynamics of Tobbias Sammet (from EDGUY) plus the respect of Bob Catley (the voice of MAGNUM) are relevant to his voice, while the rest of the musicians offer the proper background for the vocal to unveil.
Bands like DAYDREAMER and albums like Daydreamer - if not what I personally 100% adore - are helped by their freshness. Time will tell if the bridges will be burning across their growing reputation. I really hope so. Daydreamer - withosut being spectacular - fits in for your sophisticated Euro Metal needs. Tracks like Guardian Angel, Philosophy and You Better Run did I especially enjoy...