It is rare to hear someone say they’re looking forward to Monday. But by this Tuesday, the indie pop band almost monday hopes to change the negative stigma around the day with their sophomore album release, “THANK GOD IT’S ALMOST MONDAY.” 

The San Diego-born band is known for their indie pop and alternative sound, their music offering warm and energetic vibes for audiences to bask in. The touring band currently consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Dawson Daugherty, bassist and keyboardist Luke Fabry, electric guitarist Cole Clisby and drummer Rafa Vidal. 

The band formed during their sophomore year of high school after the members met through church and the San Diego surf scene. From surfing waves to surfing through Spotify streams, the band has garnered a lot of attention over the last 11 years. 

The band kicked off the release of their new album with a listening party Sunday, held at Aviator Nation Dreamland, a music venue in Malibu. Over 400 people arrived to be among the first to hear the new songs. Aviator Nation Dreamland is intricately designed with a retro vibe and painted parrots in every nook; for a band whose music sounds like waves against sand, the venue was well-suited with its leather couches, painted roof and ample rainbows. 

Almost monday made a grand entrance on the outside stage to greet fans and talk to them about the album. The venue then erupted into a dance party, and the band members walked around to speak with fans directly. 

Fans had the chance to see an exclusive live performance of a few songs off the album. Tying the old with the new, the band played new releases like “french kids,” “leaving is easy” and “enjoy the ride” as well as songs from their 2024 debut album “DIVE” and previous singles like “can’t slow down” and “no more regrets.” 

“Leaving is easy” was particularly unique, as the piece goes from upbeat to a more somber sound in the bridge. This song is intricately produced, and the lyrics touch on a relationship that falls apart when the other person is too busy with their career. “Leaving is easy, loving is hard / Don’t say goodbye,” Daugherty sings in the chorus.

The new songs from “THANK GOD IT’S ALMOST MONDAY” made the crowd come alive. With a mix of joyful, electrifying and upbeat pieces, the album follows the story of an overconfident character for whom everything goes wrong. 

“We never want to take ourselves too seriously,” Daugherty said in a July press release for the new album. “It was fun to come up with a fictional story that balances out the more heartfelt songs on the album.”

The listening experience was also an opportunity for fans to connect with each other; listeners who walked in alone walked out with new connections. Attendees were also encouraged to join in dance circles, and flashlights were turned on during vulnerable moments. There was an electric energy in the air as people clapped and cheered for the band’s new album. 

The most notable part of the event was the band’s stage presence. Fans matched their energy with the musicians’ enthusiasm during the show. On stage, band members danced with each other and nodded along, especially Daugherty and Fabry. The audience, in parallel, were crowd surfing and passionately singing along. 

The songs of “THANK GOD IT’S ALMOST MONDAY” offered a beautifully authentic performance, exploring feelings of achieving one’s dreams while trying to stay connected to their relationships. The album painted a picture of the summer season, with tracks made to be listened to while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway. Fans are left with the takeaway of looking to the future with optimism and enjoying the ride of life with the community they have to lean on. 

Almost monday tries to join in on enjoying the ride with their upbeat sound and reflective lyrics. With the new album to look forward to, fans are sure to share the album’s titular sentiments.