Come Back To Life by Daniel Francia: A Raw, Unfiltered Ride Through the Messy Bits of Being Human
Let’s get one thing straight—Daniel Francia’s Come Back To Life isn’t trying to impress anyone with glossy production or over-the-top theatrics. Released in 2019 under Exploding In Sound Records, this indie rock gem feels like a late-night conversation with someone who’s been through it all and just needs you to listen. It’s messy, heartfelt, and unapologetically real. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The album opens with “I’m Ready For Death,” which hits hard right outta the gate. The track is raw—like, throat-ripped-open-and-laid-bare kind of raw. Francia’s voice cracks under the weight of his own words at times, but instead of feeling like a flaw, it adds this gut-wrenching authenticity. You can almost picture him sitting alone in some dimly lit room, wrestling with thoughts most of us try to bury deep down. This song stayed with me because it doesn’t offer answers; it just lets you sit in the discomfort alongside him. Feels weird to say I love a song about mortality, but here we are.
Then there’s “Ghost Stories”—a slower burn that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. At first glance, it might feel like your typical breakup tune, but give it a minute. The lyrics are haunting without being melodramatic, and the way the guitar swells around the halfway mark? Chills. Like, actual goosebumps. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. By the end, you realize you’ve been holding your breath. Tracks like these remind you why indie rock still has its place—it doesn’t have to scream to make noise.
Other standouts include “Sometimes You Don’t Know You’re Blessed” (a punchy anthem for anyone fed up with taking things for granted) and “Planet In Transit,” which closes the album on an oddly hopeful note. Well, as hopeful as Daniel gets, anyway.
What sticks with me most about Come Back To Life is how personal it feels. Listening to it is less like consuming art and more like overhearing someone spill their soul onto tape. Sure, it could use a bit more polish in spots, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe Francia wants us to hear every scratch, every stumble, every moment where he sounds like he’s barely hanging on. Because let’s face it—that’s life.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something shiny and perfect, this ain’t it. But if you want music that feels alive—even when it hurts—then crank this sucker up. Oh, and fun fact: after my third listen, I accidentally started humming “Can’t Forget” while grocery shopping. Pretty sure the cashier thought I was losing it. Guess that’s what Daniel does to ya.
