Edison High’s newsroom continues to get spoiled by rising artists—a new promotional package has opened our Eagle eyes to Almost Monday, an indie pop trio based in San Diego, California. Almost Monday released their debut studio album Dive on September 25.
The talented trio consists of Dawson Daugherty as the lead vocalist, Luke Fabry as the bassist, and Cole Clisby as the guitarist. According to Billboard.com, the three have been friends since high school and bandmates since 2015, and despite parting ways for college, the trio stayed strong for their music. Originally hoping to name their band The Mondays, they went with Almost Monday after discovering the name was already taken. With 1.06 million listeners on Spotify this month, this beach town band is quickly gaining recognition.
Dive is a youthful, Gen Z-coded take on California surf rock, a subgenre of twangy beach rock from the 60s and 70s (think The Beach Boys and more recently, La Luz). The lyrics and compositional choices relate to what Gen Z likes and hypes. The eleven tracks in Dive vary from calm to upbeat, with retro indie pop undertones throughout. With relatable lyrics ranging from heartbreak to loneliness to hype, this album has it all!
Starting off with the album’s title track and intro, “Dive,” more than any other song on the album, taps into the band’s retro roots with Sinatra-esque vocals and dreamy production. With its abstract lyrics about summer nostalgia and fleeting romance, “Dive” perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the album as a whimsy, kaleidoscopic ode to retro beach rock.
“You Look So Good” is a loud, playful track about attraction and the early stages of a Hollywood romance. Clisby’s 70s-inspired guitar riffs add a smooth, nostalgic touch to the upbeat rhythm, giving the song a timeless, feel-good energy. “You Look So Good” is just the right song to blast in the car and sing along with your friends—it’s such a confidence booster.
Where “You Look So Good” encapsulates the in-your-face allure of Hollywood, “Tidal Wave” is a lazy day spent by the shore. With Clisby’s shimmering guitar tones and Daugherty’s airy vocals, “Tidal Wave” stays true to its name and evokes a relaxed, coastal vibe— we can practically feel the beachy breeze in our hair.
“Jupiter” has wonderful vocals with the perfect balance of guitar and bass in the background—the kind of song you’d listen to while getting ready to have an amazing day.
Dive also has relatable songs such as “Is It Too Late?” with lyrics that resonate with missing old friends or ex-boyfriends/girlfriends. Another relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of unspoken words is the song “Never Enough,” a heartfelt track that explores the struggle of expressing emotions, capturing the bittersweet feeling of unspoken love. The song beautifully reflects on the quiet moments of self-reflection and connection.
“Can’t Slow Down” stands out with its creative, flute-like hook that feels fresh and unique. The song beautifully captures the thrill of living life to the fullest, with lyrics that evoke a sense of adventure and freedom. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone chasing their dreams or craving a little spontaneity– lighthearted yet deeply inspiring.
Overall, with its blend of nostalgic surf rock with modern indie vibes, Dive has hit all the right notes for Gen Z. The album artfully presents a journey through the highs and lows of youth, filled with nostalgia, energy, and heartfelt emotion. With their creative sound, relatable lyrics, and unique promotional strategies, the trio has tapped into the spirit of Gen Z in a way that feels inspiring. Whether you’re singing along to “You Look So Good,” reflecting with “Never Enough,” or chasing adventure with “Can’t Slow Down,” Dive has something for everyone.
Almost Monday’s promotion through EHS is a creative way to connect with Gen Z, a generation that values community and meaningful connections. Promotions like this go beyond building awareness– they have the potential to create authentic interactions that resonate deeply with us. However, it’s impossible to ignore the stream-chasing undertones of such a campaign.
By tailoring their sound and promotional efforts to the Gen Z aesthetic, Almost Monday expertly aligns themselves with what’s trending. While this strategy undeniably helps them connect with their audience, it also raises the question of how much of their art is shaped by genuine creativity versus a calculated effort to dominate playlists.
Still, by bringing their music directly to schools, Almost Monday proves that big dreams can start anywhere, and their rise from high school friends to rising stars is as inspiring as their music. Dive is more than just an album–it’s a reminder to truly dive into our own ambitions.
More than anything, though, Almost Monday has shown us the dynamic world of local bands. While Edison isn’t exactly known for being the birthplace of emerging artists, their rise highlights the growing influence of local talent and the unique sounds that can come from anywhere.
In the end, Almost Monday’s Dive walks a fine line between being a genuine ode to youth and a commercially savvy product. It’s this duality that makes Dive both a relatable soundtrack for Gen Z and a testament to the modern music industry’s evolution.
