Atanaria
Casey MQ’s “Later that day, the day before, or the day before that” Deluxe Edition is a hauntingly beautiful tapestry of ambient pop, filtered through emotional vulnerability and sonic experimentation. Best known for his ethereal production contributions (notably on Oklou’s Adore), Casey steps into his own unique space here—less fantastical and cyber-styled than his peers, and more grounded in raw human feeling.
Where Adore was shrouded in atmospheric mystique, “Later that day, the day before, or the day before that” Deluxe Edition feels like the emotional aftermath—the morning after the dream. The synth work throughout the album is gorgeous: gliding, layered, often evoking exhaustion and hope in the same breath. Tracks like “Grey Gardens” recall Vangelis in their cinematic scope, while “Dying Til I’m Born” plays like a late-night confession—melancholy trance leads and lo-fi vocal textures layered over a dancehall-inflected beat. It’s a bold and beautiful experiment that lands perfectly, especially for fans of Palmistry-esque fusions.
That said, while the production is often breathtaking, the songwriting can feel a little less immediate or sticky than one might hope. Compared to the gripping atmosphere and melodic hooks of Adore, some tracks here feel emotionally impactful but structurally diffuse. There’s a sense of wandering—intentional, perhaps—but it leaves parts of the album feeling less defined.
Still, when it works, it really works. “Asleep at the Wheel” is an instant standout, balancing delicate vocals with sweeping production. It’s the emotional center of the record—aching, cinematic, and cathartic. “Is This Only Water” and “Words for Love” are similarly affecting, striking a balance between lyrical intimacy and sonic immersion. “Baby Voice,” too, showcases Casey’s talent for crafting delicate, emotionally complex soundscapes with an almost childlike purity.
Even the album’s hyperpop elements—autotune-heavy vocals, manipulated textures—don’t feel out of place. Rather, they add to the emotional dissonance. There’s a real skill in making such polished digital music feel so tactile and human.
“Later that day, the day before, or the day before that” Deluxe Edition might not hit as hard in the songwriting department for some listeners, but it’s undeniably a rich and evocative listen. Casey MQ proves himself here not just as a producer but as a storyteller—one who invites you into his foggy dreamscape and guides you gently toward the light.
Standout Tracks:
Asleep at the Wheel (!!!)
Grey Gardens
Words for Love
Baby Voice
Is This Only Water
For fans of ambient pop, emotional vulnerability, and sound design that walks the line between the real and surreal.
