Daine released a new album titled “In Endless Agony & Awe” on Friday, Nov. 6.
Daine Lauren Wright who goes by Daine, is an Australian hyperpop artist. They released their debut single at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. After releasing three extended plays, this is their debut album. They are coming of an appearance on the track “It’s You” on Ninajirachi’s 2025 record. This is where I discovered Daine, and the singles for this album put this album on my radar. How does “In Endless Agony & Awe” fit in the zeitgeist of hyperpop? Let’s dig in.
The album opens with “Silly Little Animal / Go!” Immediately, the glitchy synths that protrude the entire record are on display. It’s dreamy and cute with a good bite in the instrumental. Daine pens a great chorus to start the record that becomes a theme.
The sound of this album is sweet with glitchy elements. Much of the tracks have very pretty instrumentals that pair well with Daine’s voice. That sugariness is contrasted on a few tracks where the glitched production is amped up.
One of those tracks is “White Collar.” The track opens with a muddy synth; they add dueling guitars that create a disorienting melody. It gives the same feeling of walking through a spinning tunnel in a fun house. Daine’s vocal delivery on the chorus is almost goofy and adds to the track so well.
“Product of Profit” is a great track with another stellar chorus. Daine’s choice of words with “I’m not really a person; I’m a product of profit” are very introspective. They look at turning themself into a marketable image and how it affects their everyday interactions. The screamo background vocals show off some of their inspiration. The prettiness of the whole album remains with the xylophone on the track.
Tracks “Wishing Well” and “God Figure” keep the good vibes rolling, with some laid back acoustic guitar lines and solid melodies. The only gripe is that they blend together a bit too much.
Some booming percussion begins “PQC,” a huge highlight on the album that switches from the laid-back base of the previous tracks. This track is loud and in-your-face, with an anthemic chorus.
“I Used to Kill” has some groovy drums. There’s a feature from aldn on the post chorus. Then the chorus has an emo-inspired vocal performance from Daine.
“Love Love” is a great electro-pop song, with a simple chorus that works well. The track is about a past friendship that ended, and Daine is looking back at it fondly. It’s very bright and bubbly, just a textbook modern pop song that could be a blueprint for good writing.
“(I Want You In) Dakota” is a sweet song about longing. Geography references are a welcome idea.
“Supervillian” and “Spider-man” are fine ways to wrap the album up — not very memorable, but not bad. If bland is the worst the album gets, then “In Endless Agony & Awe” makes for a solid record.
“In Endless Agony & Awe” is a good showing from Daine. At just 38 minutes long it doesn’t overstay its welcome and provides some good tracks. This album doesn’t reinvent the wheel but provides a pleasant listening experience. At 23-years-old, Daine has a very bright future.
Rating: 3.5/5