Pharis & Jason Romero - These Are The Days That Turn In To Years
Lula Records
Released on June 12th, 2026
Pharis & Jason Romero’s album These Are The Days That Turn Into Years is a snapshot of life. Listening to this record makes me feel grounded, as it is a testament that whatever curveball life throws, it is important to live in the present. The album explores feelings of insomnia, nostalgia, heartbreak, and deep love. I recently interviewed Pharis Romero, who said that she wanted a shorter album title, but this one captures the essence of this album in a perfect way.
The sound of this record is warm, cozy, and peaceful. If I were to compare it to a food, it would be roasted marshmallows, as it is the soundtrack for a bonfire or late-night drive. This unique, homey, and intimate quality is heard through the live instrumentation, including guitar, and a core instrument is the banjo. Pharis and Jason own a banjo shop, and sometimes he would make banjos to fit the sound and tone that he heard for a specific track. This intimate feel is also due to the recording location of this record. It was produced in a renovated barn in the Romeros’ home, which functions as both a recording studio and performance space. These acoustics paint a sonic portrait of rural life in BC.
The writing process of this album was different than their previous records. Before, Pharis and Jason collaborated on the arrangements together, but this time Pharis wrote the songs and sometimes told Jason where she heard his harmonies, but there were also times where Jason had a sixth sense of how they should sound.
Whereas Pharis studied classical and opera for many years, Jason only started playing music at 19 without formal training. But his intuition for tone and sound allowed him to make brilliant choices.
“That comes from him being such an instinctive, deeply felt musician as opposed to a deeply schooled musician,” said Romero.
These harmonies are heard in one of my favourite songs on the record, “Big Time World.” This song also captivates me as it creatively sets the tone, mood, and textures of the album. Lyrically, it conveys how no matter how much you are prepared for the world, sometimes there are challenges or lessons that you have to learn. It is also a reminder that sometimes when life gets hard, step away, travel, and recharge.
“No matter what you do, that world is going to sometimes kick you in the face a little bit, so you pack your boat and leave every once in a while. It’s a journey through snapshots of trying to figure out where you live in this world,” said Romero.
Another highlight on this album is “These Are Days.” Pharis wrote the song from Jason’s perspective about how Pharis grounds him, and during those moments together, it is just the two of them and the rest of the world disappears.
“It’s that idea that the whole world is fading away and it is just us and we are here together in this moment,” said Romero.
This song also captured my attention as it is gentle and hopeful. It is in the key of A major, and major keys are usually associated with positive and peaceful emotions. I also love the piano solo before the last chorus, as sometimes dynamics in an instrumental solo speak louder than words. It feels like a gentle hug after a long day.
I rated These Are The Days That Turn Into Years 10/10 as it encapsulates the importance of living in the present and not giving up when life gets tough. I love escaping in the sonic landscapes and the soothing vocals.
