Daisy

Released in 2009, Daisy represents the most radical sonic departure in Brand New's career. Following the massive critical success of The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, the band pivoted away from melodic indie rock toward a more abrasive, noise-influenced post-hardcore sound. Much of the songwriting was led by guitarist Vincent Accardi rather than frontman Jesse Lacey, resulting in a shift toward swampy blues-rock structures and more abstract, nature-focused lyrical themes. The production by Mike Sapone is famously dense and 'hot,' frequently pushing the levels into distortion to emphasize the album's raw, unhinged energy. Critics at the time, including those at AllMusic and BBC, noted its challenging nature, with some praising its uncompromising intensity while others were polarized by its lack of traditional hooks. Over time, it has earned a reputation as a 'cult' favorite within their discography for its unique, dark atmosphere and refusal to cater to fan expectations.