SMILEZ drops brand new album

Based in Los Angeles, SMILEZ works in the overlap of collapse and reinvention, operating as an artist whose music feels driven by the moment in life that produced it. Behind the project is Jack Bruno, a singer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who first arrived through hip hop before pulling his sound apart and rebuilding it into something more guitar-driven and emotionally exposed. Over time, a rap-focused creative identity has gradually transformed into an alternative pop punk world, resulting in a constantly shifting musical output that brings listeners along on the adventure with the artist.

That shift hasn’t happened quietly; since making his debut in 2022 with “Back 2 Reality,” Bruno has spent the last few years steadily developing his sound in public view. A run of singles led toward the release of his first full-length record Ur in My World the following year, introducing listeners to an artist already pushing back against stylistic limitations. The music carried traces of hip hop, alternative pop and emotional impact all colliding together, helping him build a growing international audience while clocking hundreds of thousands of spins on Spotify along.

But even then, there was the feeling that SMILEZ was still becoming itself and now that transformation fully crystallises with Digital Mania Tell All, a sophomore album that lands as a complete rupture from the past. Written, produced and performed entirely by Bruno himself, the record functions as a total creative reset and while earlier releases hinted at alternative influences creeping into the music, this album throws itself fully into a guitar-driven pop punk sound that feels more aligned with Bruno’s identity as an artist and person.

Thematically, the record taps directly into the instability of modern identity, particularly for younger audiences facing life online and under constant observation. That’s ultimately what gives Digital Mania Tell All its context, with the record becoming a reflection of that instability, where identity, music and public perception all blur together under constant visibility.

The uptempo patter of drums of “Coming Down” kicks off the record with SMILEZ’s bouncy vocal delivery rolling over the guitar-focused arrangement. Gliding into an alternative rock chorus, memorable hooks float above charging instrumental energy to serve up an anthemic jam that’s moody and energising from start to finish. “Luv 2 Hate” perfectly captures the emotional friction running throughout the project, offering a slick jam that flows with the twang of guitar chords, punchy drums and rhythmic vocal work spinning instantly catchy leads above.

“Nothing’s Ever Good Enough” arrives with lightly plucks guitars and hazy vocalisations before jumping into a brooding outing driven by fuzzy bass tones and rolling drums capped by expressive pop punk vocals. Tracks like “Bella Vita” bring woozy instrumental textures and impassioned vocal performance carrying storytelling lyricism as airy piano plinks sweep across the mix while the downtempo thump of dusty drums brings the energy into focus.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Lights, Camera, Action” with its crunchy guitar chords, lively percussion and belted vocals laying down an angsty sound. “Sunshine” brings stacks of fuzzed-out guitars and charging drums as commanding vocals ring out above, surging into raucous bursts of aggressive sonic energy, presenting a gripping listening experience that’s exhilarating and fiercely original throughout.

With “No One Else,” the soft swell of organ tones is met by SMILEZ’s restrained vocal delivery and laid back percussive taps, progressing with hurried rhythms and jittery instrumentation. Closing the album with “Shadows,” SMILEZ delivers an epic finale brimming with engaging ebb and flow, taking listeners on a memorable voyage to leave a lasting impression of his sensational sophomore record.

Listen to Digital Mania Tell All below