Posting on their Instagram, the band revealed that ‘I Expect Better’ was “written during a moment where it felt like everything was going wrong”. At first glance, it's hard to see how that could be true. The track is propelled by guitarist Marco Bastianoni’s buoyant guitar melodies, with added energy from Aurora Mannola on bass and Jay Lewis on drums. The hazy, luscious production adds a dream-like texture to the overall upbeat, sunny sound.
But on closer inspection, these jaunty, shimmering instrumentals are captivatingly juxtaposed with lyrics full of stinging heartbreak. Frontman Riley breathily sings of a painfully unfulfilling situationship. He explores the pain of feeling like he’s “just something to do while no one’s calling you back”, admitting he “just expected something better”. This raw honesty cuts straight through the more optimistic-sounding instrumentals wrapping around the vocals. It offers an insight into how the band’s storytelling has matured since their debut hit single ‘Call Me Up’ exploded on TikTok back in 2024.
While retaining their characteristic liveliness and youthfulness, their glossy indie-pop sound has grown into something with more depth and complexity - proof that daydreamers are far more than a fleeting viral moment.