Daniel Hayes’ latest album, Butterfly with Bazookas, is a refreshing blend of introspection and exuberance. The eleven-track collection showcases Daniel’s multifaceted artistry that marries poetry, storytelling, and passionate musical arrangements in a way that feels both grounded and expansive.
The album’s title itself hints at the dualities that permeate his work. He describes himself as “a butterfly with bazookas”. It’s a reflection of his delicate nature contrasted with a fierce resolve. The thematic tension plays out beautifully across the album, where gentle melodies coexist with explosive rhythms. Tracks like “Ecstasy,” “Redemption,” and “Wake Up” demonstrate his softer side and invite one into quiet moments of reflection. In contrast, songs such as “The Witch” and “Bullet Train” unleash a raw and unfiltered energy that commands attention.
Daniel’s skillful storytelling draws from a wealth of personal experience like loss, transformation, and self-discovery that create narratives that feel relatable. The track “Cold Paradise” captures this with its vivid imagery to illustrate feelings of anger and powerlessness within a difficult relationship. Daniel’s realisation that his words are his “bazookas” marks a turning point and symbolises the strength he discovers through his craft.
The partnership with producer BAO enabled Daniel to explore a new sonic dimension by enhancing the emotional resonance of his spoken word delivery that he hadn’t previously accessed. Hayes notes,
“Working with a professional like BAO was both inspiring and empowering.”
The album’s lyrical content is emotionally intense. Tracks like “Wake Up,” which reflects on the aftermath of his father’s death, and “Redemption,” explores vulnerability are particularly impactful. Daniel admits that upon revisiting these tracks, he was surprised by the strength of the emotions they evoked but illustrated how art can often transcend the creator’s initial intentions.
Musically, Butterfly with Bazookas is as diverse as its themes. The arrangements blend a variety of influences from spoken word to melodic instrumentation that allow each track to breathe and evolve. The eclecticism mirrors Daniel’s journey as an artist, be it from his earlier work under the name Significant Effects to the mature, well-rounded sound he presents now.
In addition to the album, Daniel’s recent book, Cairns, complements Butterfly with Bazookas as it dives into themes of personal transformation. He notes that the album “expands on subjects in the book” and creates a cohesive body of work that encourages one to reflect on their own experiences.
Ultimately, Daniel Hayes’ aim is connection. He hopes that his music can serve as a guide for others navigating similar struggles, whether it’s processing grief or escaping toxic relationships. His commitment to authenticity shines through, making Butterfly with Bazookas a relevant and necessary addition to the music world.
