Thomas Day has spent the past four years growing, learning, and pouring his experiences into lyrics in the studio. After much anticipation, his new 5-track EP Kids is here. The project reflects his personal growth while highlighting the transition from youth to adulthood. These songs are equal parts nostalgic and messy.
If you’ve been following Thomas Day since he began releasing singles in 2021, you know he is best known for his unforgettable entrances. The opening track, “Sore Throat,” is the perfect song to play as you’re entering a party and trying to impress someone. The song opens fast, then slows like a slow-motion reunion scene. And transfers right into a light piano sound at the end of “Sore Throat” that flows into the beginning vocals of the second track, “pollen”.
“Pollen” is a romantic, upbeat, and catchy track. The opening line, Tennessee, there was pollen kissing on your skin, sets the scene. Then, as Thomas’ voice gets high in the chorus, listeners can hear how mature he is about this relationship. He admits, I don’t know what this is? And ends the song Nothing’s the same as it was. A powerful reminder that the past should remain in the past. And that his anxiety is tricking him into doubting his instincts. That momentum flows right into his summer anthem, “she gotta think about her,” a track that’s equal parts spicy and romantic.
The final two tracks have contrasting instrumental and vocal ranges. “Tethered” opens with his deep vocals. It almost sounds like he is in a church or shower with the best acoustics. It physically feels like he is tied to his partner in the room. In contrast, “Kids”, both the title track and the final song, have light vocals. These quieter vocals convey insecurity, nervousness, and fear as he navigates the uncertainties of a new relationship. It is a powerful statement that these two are no longer kids; they are adults facing the complexities of a long-distance relationship. The lyric, I want to be with you / but I don’t know how… captures the raw vulnerability at the heart of the song.
Daydreamers do not have to wait long to hear these songs live. Thomas’ headlining tour with Neriah begins October 7th in Washington, D.C. After his U.S. tour dates, he’ll head overseas with stops in the U.K., France, Denmark, and more. Tickets are available now.
