Written by: Oliver Heffron

Daine Delivers a Hyper Pop Punk Anthem on her new single “Stay Close.” The Melbourne-based singer has blossomed into one of the most exciting, versatile artists in the rising hyper-pop space since her stellar debut Quantum Jumping earlier this year. “Stay Close” mixes one part Avril Lavigne and one part 100 Gecs to form maybe her most infectious single yet. Daine’s hypnotic, angst-ridden inflection rides over sizzling buzzsaw synths and a banging, 808-centric beat. 

Daine steadily expands her sound with each new track. Speaking of 100 Gecs, “Stay Close” comes off the heels of the high-intensity, gender-role-reversing single “boythots” produced by Dylan Brady. While the recent resurgence of pop-punk melodies with trap percussion has its share of eye-roll-worthy renditions, Daine is an example of an artist who makes this sound work in a unique, new way. 

The single’s accompanying music video, directed by Charles Buxton-Leslie during a “life-changing” trip for Daine to LA, depicts her passionately performing in an abandoned racetrack. She keeps an enjoyable distance from a love interest as a red luxury sports car and its R/C counterpart skirt around the track. While Daine’s standout first project was a quick head start, it’s clear with each new release that her engine is just getting started.