Daydream Plus, an emo math-rock group, has taken a unique and niche approach to releasing their debut album, 'Second Last Day Of Summer'. The band has created an 8-bit chiptune remix of the full-length album, which is only available as a fully-functional Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) cartridge. This bold move goes against the grain of the music industry, which is increasingly moving towards digital releases and away from physical media. The band's guitarist and mastermind, Payson Power, is a self-proclaimed collector of physical media and has a deep appreciation for the nostalgia and respect that comes with owning a physical album. He believes that the industry has become too focused on speed and convenience, and that the value of physical media is being overlooked. Power's passion for physical media is evident in his previous band, Tomb Mould, which built a following with limited-edition cassette drops. He grew up ordering records from his local indie store, and he misses the days of building a collection bit-by-bit. The NES remix project was a natural fit for Daydream Plus, as the band was influenced by chiptune groups like Anamanaguchi and Diasterpeace, and the album's soundtrack was heavily inspired by iconic games like Final Fantasy 7, EarthBound, and Sonic Adventure. Power wanted to create an authentic experience, and he reached out to an expert in vintage electronics, Andy Reitano, for advice. The result is a fully-functional NES cartridge that plays the album and displays the weather on the actual second last day of summer in Power's hometown of Toronto. The project was a challenging and rewarding experience for Power, who is overjoyed with the finished result. He believes that the project has found its audience, and he hopes that it inspires others to explore the potential of physical media in the music industry.
