Career Day

Reintroducing themselves in partnership with We’re Trying Records, Career Day returns with a refreshed lineup, split home base, and sonic palette that is future-focused with plenty of nostalgic hallmarks. This lineup draws from the fertile, but homogenous scene drawing Desmond out to shows as an awkward teen – Drive-Thru Records, anyone? – and the myriad talents in the tri-state area from Kevin Devine, their lyrical north star, to Transit. Producer Nick Starrantino’s longtime admiration of the group, paired with energetic perspectives, has earned him and his process “fifth member of the band” status, with plenty of happy returns forecasted for this dynamic duo. The single “Last Good Day We Get” brims with kinetic, electric focus. Desmond wrote lyrics reflecting on conversations with childhood friends who reconnected at his recent wedding, and also with a friend running an afterschool wrestling program in a red state. All these talks underlined being present in joyful moments or with loved ones. Life-affirming connection and calculated, capitalist doom do coexist, but one can’t ignore the other forever. These moments of positivity can, at least, serve as a catalyst for meaningful action past gratitude and acknowledgment of privilege, geographic or otherwise. Now imagine if this was shouted at you in stunning hi-fi, summertime tone. Career Day is Desmond Zantua, Jacob Cutler, Kemal Pohan, and Milo Brooking. Artist photos by Katy Price.