My dream is to listen to dreampop all day and all night long. Luckily, the internet has allowed me to have access to infinite number of musicians who enjoy performing this genre as much as I enjoy listening to it. At one point, I was terrified that dreampop is slowly fading away, as artists started experimenting with electronic trends, but it turns out it was just a phase. Here is a dreampop album that colored my reality over the past couple of weeks.
Canadian dreampop trio returned with third full length studio album, and in my humble opinion, this is their best release yet. It also stands as their most mature work. Collection of nine new songs are characterized by wide eclecticism, plethora of sonic approaches, successful amalgamation of guitars and piano. The main cohesive factor is mellifluous voice of Jane Penny. In comparison with their previous record Picture You Staring, numbers on this one are more delicate, silent and atmospheric while they are crawling through the arrangement mix of dreampop, indie and soft rock.
The journey starts with Cloudy Skies that invites us in with minimalism and seductive vocal, while Further witnesses the power of Jane’s vocal and its suitability for bright melodies created by the interplay of piano and guitars. On the other hand, Petals utilizes more dynamic solutions, with cool, funky guitar riffs. Dayglow Bimbo is crowned with dirty, noisy sounds resembling Best Coast, which comes as no surprise as the band has moved to California to record this album. This is particularly conspicuous on Cutlass Crises, probably the catchiest track on the whole album. Marigold and Gray comes off as melancholic, but it is not morose. Here we have a chance to enjoy fantastic vocal interpretation once again, but also to applaud to amazing guitar solo.
If you are a fan of Best Coast, Chairlift and Chelsea Wolf, then Sugar at the Gate is your touchdown. The summer has just arrived, and you will need some chillout music to set the tone for good pool vibes. Or, If you are lucky to go on vacation, this is going to be your beach soundtrack.
