At the risk of sounding like a jaded human who has ground through one too many lockdowns, Justin Serrao’s new release is disgustingly cheerful – and I love it.
Today sees the release of his first single off his upcoming EP, and “Brand New Day” heralds just that. It also comes at a pretty apt time. It’s an ode to lockdown – only, for a change, not fraught in heavy ruminations on the state of the world and it’s collective mental health, but rather the most effortless uplifting, tongue-in-cheek reflection on that good ol’ Level 5 we hope never to relive, and peers cheerfully at the light at the end of the tunnel. Something like that at least.
Pizzicato violin, primed and pretty percussion, and a driving indie-folk guitar line lead from the front. Serrao lets his warm vocals roar and next thing it’s a track bred to make you move. It’s so infectious he can be forgiven for the rousing pre-chorus lines that are, “So come and vibe with me / we’re gonna dance in the street / it’s easy 1, 2, 3 / just follow that beat.”
The accompanying video, filmed by Henry Marsh and Pierre Van Vuuren, might err on the basis of simplicity but it packs a punch of energy regardless. Serrao and his three backing bandmates let rip in front of a green screen, Serrao busts out some dance moves and you’re left with the delightful sense that, yes, it’s a brand new day indeed.
