Starting 2025 off strong, Peyton Shay released her latest EP, Daydream Police, on January 10th. The artist’s latest installment is a compilation of 5 previously released singles, plus a new one sharing the EP’s name. Taking us on a journey of love and heartbreak, Shay proves to be unapologetically herself, wearing her heart on her sleeve as she delivers ruminative lyrics over spellbinding pop compositions.
TRACK LIST:
1. Twisted Saint
2. Daydream Police
3. Dashboard Lights
4. Savior Complex
5. Lonely Chapstick
6. Twisted Saint - Acoustic
Navigating the chaos of adolescence, Peyton Shay began her music journey as she grew up in a small town outside of Los Angeles, teaching herself to play piano and write songs as an outlet. Shay stays true to her DIY roots, incorporating her independent spirit into her artistry. The talented artist has crafted a compelling, unique sound, taking introspective, gritty lyrics and pairing them with her dazzling pop melodies. Proving herself to be a force in the alt-pop world, Shay has landed some impressive sync placements, having her music featured in shows like Apple TV+'s Shrinking and Netflix's All American and in campaigns for brands like Lululemon and Victoria's Secret.
Starting off with a look into toxic relationships, “Twisted Saint” is the first up on this captivating EP. The track is a slice of indie-pop heaven, pairing addictive melodies and infectious beats with a thrilling narrative, making you fall in love with the “bad boy” you know you should avoid. Diving into wanting what you can’t have, the EP’s titular track is up next, battling between longing fantasies and self-awareness. “Daydream Police” is a spunky blend of 2000’s pop-nostalgia with modern rock, creating the perfect alt-pop/pop-rock soundscape to complement Shay’s light, wispy vocals.
Continuing to explore the intricacies of love, Shay dives into a relationship that was bound to fail from the start with “Dashboard Lights.” The tender ballad shows us what it’s like to fall for the wrong person at the right time, pairing the poignant narrative with hushed vocals and delicate instrumentals steeped in emotion. Quickly shifting back to fast-paced pop bangers, “Savior Complex” looks at what it’s like to change yourself to please someone else, losing who you are in the madness of it all. The track keeps the mood light despite the lyrical content, creating a thrilling soundscape with playful instrumentals and spirited melodies.
A true highlight of Daydream Police, “Lonely Chapstick” is an enthralling gem that explores the fear of falling for someone and getting hurt in the end. The track keeps things light and bubbly, pairing Shay’s quirky storytelling with charismatic vocals and upbeat instrumentals. Stripping down the EP’s first track, “Twisted Saint (Acoustic)” takes the thrilling nature of the studio version and turns it haunting. Shay’s quiet, silky vocals are ethereal and chilling, giving the track an intimate feel as she exposes her vulnerable feelings over the delicate acoustic guitar-laden soundscape.
Over far too soon, Peyton Shay’s Daydream Police is certainly an EP to have on repeat. The 6-track anthology is a fascinating mix of daring and dazzling, showing the light-hearted side to heartache and love. Daydream Police is an EP for the ages, cementing Peyton Shay as rising bold voice in the alt-pop world.
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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