Almost Monday’s debut album DIVE arrives as a refreshing splash of California sunshine, bottling the essence of San Diego’s beach-surf culture into 11 vibrant tracks. The trio – composed of Dawson Daugherty (vocals), Cole Clisby (guitar), and Luke Fabry (bass) – has made a collection that blends indie rock, surf pop, and alternative sounds while paying homage to influences ranging from The Beach Boys to The 1975.
The album opens with its ethereal title track Dive, featuring harmonies from vocal quartet The Four Freshmen that create a dreamlike, retro diner, slow-dance atmosphere. This brief introduction serves as a perfect prelude to the summer-soaked journey ahead.
Standout tracks like Is It Too? and She Likes Sports showcase the band’s talent for crafting infectious anthems complete with powerful hooks and crowd-pleasing clap-along moments. One of their most streamed tracks of the album, Can’t Slow Down, channels influences such as Tame Impala and Cage the Elephant through its groovy instrumentation and percussion work.
The production, directed by Simon Oscroft and Adam Hawkins, creates the perfect balance between polished indie pop and raw garageband energy. Songs like Jupiter and Sunburn show the band’s versatility, with the latter featuring songwriting from every member that results in one of the album’s most remarkable moments, showcasing Almost Monday’s talents as a band.
Seaside Market emerges as a particular highlight, with its video game-like production from Tony Ferrari and an addicting build-up featuring unexpected trumpet elements. The album closes strongly with “Life Goes By” which encapsulates the nostalgic yet optimistic spirit that runs throughout the record.
The trio’s background in San Diego’s surf scene bleeds through in the best possible way, with sun-drenched guitar riffs and beachy percussions creating an authentic soundtrack to coastal living. While their influences are clear, Almost Monday manages to carve out their own identity through their genuine approach to songwriting and arrangement.
DIVE succeeds as both a promising debut and a coming-of-age record that captures the magic of youth while demonstrating surprising musical maturity. It’s an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and the perfect addition in your playlist for both bedroom dance parties and oceanside drives.
