Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

When was the last time we heard a truly personal, heartfelt album, one that speaks about life as it is, but through a dreamy, almost enamored lens? Let me tell you about ‘Bright are the Days’ by Christo Sedgewick and The Fabulous Regrets, a project made up of an all-star band: Dave Greaves from BUGS and White Gold, Mike Marsidi from Sports and White Gold, and Justin Perlman from Plexico Mesa and Zero to Couch on keys.

Christo Sedgewick’s story and his approach to making music is striking. In ‘Bright are the days’, and in each of the 10 tracks, there’s something quietly inspiring, real artistry, a genuine love for music rather than trends. Christo Sedgewick writes music the way he feels it. He fully opens himself up to his sound, telling stories that matter to him, and that’s why ‘Bright are the Days’ carries such a gentle, warm tone.

Every track is unique, each with its own mood and emotional shading, but together it is as though they form a book Christo has written, his soul captured in rhythm and melody. That’s also why Christo Sedgewick and The Fabulous Regrets don’t separate this album into singles, it’s one continuous story. There’s no lead track on ‘Bright Are the Days’, each one matters, each one shapes Christo’s sincere, distinctive sound. The album has its own movement and its own melodic structure with bright surges and inspired lulls. It reminds me of a spring day with a fickle breeze, at times brisk, at times soft against your skin. So I suggest you take a pause, grab your best headphones, and let’s listen together to the standout tracks from ‘Bright are the Days’ that moved me the most.

The album opens with the soft rhythm, airy guitars and sunlit atmosphere of the track ‘Always Gone’. Its swaying groove brings a sense of calm, the bright keys add a playful touch, and with every beat you can hear the lightness and tenderness woven into the sound. It’s a stylish opener that immediately grabs attention and sparks curiosity about what Christo Sedgewick and The Fabulous Regrets have in store next. What’s next is ‘Birthday Song’, beginning with a weightless sound and minimal atmosphere. The guitar, the deep, swinging rhythm, and Christo Sedgewick’s vocals create something hypnotic, filling the heart with a quiet peace. As the track moves into the chorus, it transforms into a gentle alt-rock piece, touched with a hint of melancholy. The shift in mood through the structure gives the track a pulsing feel that’s effortlessly stylish. Then comes the romantic ‘Nora’, and suddenly the melodies return to a lullaby-like tone, light, contemplative, soothing.There’s a softness here that wraps around you. In every word you can hear the inspiration, the delicate story, and see the image it paints in your mind. It’s the kind of song that you can feel as much as hear.

To keep from drifting too far into a haze of melancholy, the second half of the album brings in bolder tones and braver genre blends. ‘Lament’ lifts the mood with standout hooks and an airy feel that seems built for anyone needing a touch of blues, alt rock energy, and slow-burning introspection in their day. It’s one of my personal favorites: warm, lyrical, and full of character. I adore it! A touch of country brings a ballad-like charm to ‘Morning Comes’. If you’re looking for a cozy tune that stirs up warm memories, this is it. What I enjoy most is how unexpected the song feels, as if it was written in a moment of pure inspiration and captured in one breath where everything aligned and flowed straight into the recording. It runs for 4:16, and in that time, you get to experience the subtle shifts in harmony and mood that you only find in the music of Christo Sedgewick and The Fabulous Regrets.

The gentle shift into a more romantic tone on ‘When We Say Goodbye’ brings a calming presence, with unique vocal touches that make the track feel close and comforting. It’s the kind of song you can leave playing softly in the background while going about your day, and still find your ear catching on the warm sounds that quietly ease anxious thoughts. The final tracks, ‘Can’t Sleep’ and ‘Sunset Lightning’, close the album on a high and memorable note. I have to mention how the swinging country atmosphere in ‘Can’t Sleep’ pulls you in with its rhythm, it’s hard not to tap along or sway with the melody. And if you feel like doing that, don’t hold back. Sunset Lightning really pulls a trick on you. It kicks off like it’s going to be the laid-back, feel-good sendoff—the kind of song you’d throw on during golden hour with the windows down. But then halfway through, it just… shifts. The beat dissolves, and suddenly you’re sitting with Christo’s voice and a barely-there guitar, like the song’s taking a breath and second-guessing itself. Then out of nowhere it swells into this messy, unfiltered burst—almost chaotic, but in a way that feels earned. And just when you think it’s about to keep spiraling, it slips into a soft piano outro that’s basically the sonic equivalent of staring at the ceiling at 2am. It’s not a “big uplifting finish”—it’s something weirder, more honest, and way more interesting.

Hey Christo Sedgewick and The Fabulous Regrets! Thank you for releasing such amazing music. The tenderness, sincerity, and lightness of ‘Bright are the Days’ really touched me. It felt incredibly cozy, as if you were old friends inviting me to your show. This was my first time listening to you, but that’s exactly how your music made me feel. I’m truly looking forward to your next releases, because it’s rare to find a sound this genuine and comforting in today’s music world. I honestly enjoyed every minute of the album, and now I just want more! I’ll definitely be sharing your release with everyone, people need to hear this kind of beautiful music, so warm and familiar. Love it! I’m your fan hehe

• Instagram

With much love,
Soundville