Genre-bending band Baydream caught our attention with their newest EP Punk House. The 8-track project pulls from several musical inspirations, including pop, Indie-rock, alternative hip-hop, soul, electronica post-punk and more.

“Forever” is the first track, and it sets the tone nicely with its atmospheric production with a minimal arrangement style. The slow progression is an added element and draws listeners into a dream-like state where true love exists. “Blockbuster” is the follow-up track, and it ramps up the energy with its rousing drum rhythms, layered guitar riffs and atmospheric pads. The vocal style is distinct and uses parallel effects on the chorus to create a psychedelic ambiance. The 90s rock approach is an added touch, too. The next track, “Seasons | Powers “ has a warm, soulful aesthetic underpinned with airy melodic runs and overtly lilting vocals. The lyrics seem to be more of the stream-of-consciousness vibe while the chorus hits the ears like a mantra.

“Drug” starts with a punchy drum groove bolstered by pop-rock musical elements reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s pop bands. The songwriting is expressive and dives into the euphoria that comes with finding love.  “Baseline” has a lofi/surf-rock vibe, and it’s underpinned by laidback and warm vocals punctuated by blaring electric guitar riffs, plucky guitars and nostalgia-inducing pads. It did remind me a bit of Sugar Ray’s “Someday” with an edgy element. On “Heart Bleach,” the lead singer pours his heart on wax as he pines for true love. Again, the vocal style has a distinctively off-kilter aesthetic and texture throughout the album and plays off the heavy guitar-driven backdrops laid before them.

The project closes out with the midtempo bouncy “End Time, End War” and the instrumental track “Water Find Fire.” The former is ripe with tuned and robotic-like post-punk-styled vocal runs with punchy drums and gripping electric guitar arrangements. The latter kicks off with a sturdy drum break, psychedelic guitar riffs, and pulsating synths that slowly progress into a myriad of enthralling and hypnotic sounds.