Once upon a time, I was reviewing an album called Elizabeth back in 2014. I published the review with the completely incorrect band name, and so I’ll always remember it now (I still check to make sure to this day). That band was Dream the Electric Sleep. I called them Dream the Electric Sheep. Well, the band is back with another record, American Mystic, which releases today, July 14th. I think it’s their best yet.
Dream the Electric Sleep comes to us from Lexington, Kentucky. This trio has worked long and hard and made some great records, but there’s something about this new offering that brings them together as a crew even more. The lineup includes Matt Page on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Chris Tackett on bass, keys, and backing vocals; and Joey Waters on drums and backing vocals.
The band plays an indie rock-tinged progressive rock. I wouldn’t say it has Southern elements, but they might be there. I mentally categorize them with bands like The Dear Hunter. Dream the Electric Sleep is more energetic, though, with a groovy rhythm section and flashier production, and a punch of classic rock in their soloing.
American Mystic is the band’s best album, and I’ll tell you why. It has a strong tracklist of nine tunes that are developed and edited to excellence. Joey’s drums are a huge highlight for me with his expressive and deft beats and fills. Chris’ bass is a powerhouse, too, that fills out the band’s sound. Matt’s vocals are fantastic, as well. My wife heard me listening to the album, and she commented that his style reminded her of Sinéad O’Connor, and I can sort of understand why she said that. Matt has a calculated, dramatic, and yet organic way of managing his octave transitions, and he absolutely nails the hooks every time. And, believe me, this album is full of superb hooks.
I have to admit that the first half of the album is my favorite half. The first five songs are one hit after another. I love the intro “And the Buried Rise” which isn’t much, but for some reason builds such anticipation and is so catchy. “Beyond Repair” flows out of it with a rocking, powerful song with great guitars and thundering drums. “Forged in the Furnace” is the single, and I love the pealing guitars and bold chorus.
“After the Fallout” comes next, and is my favorite on the record. The chorus has a massive hook that instantly landed my brain, and the song has such rhythm and flow that it feels much shorter than it is. “The Lessons They Bring” ends the first half with another amazing piece, complete with terrific vocal harmonies (someone in there sounds like Chris Cornell a bit), and yet this song is more reserved and more thoughtful, and it is quickly rivalling “After the Fallout” as my favorite.
The second half is really good, too. I love the gravitas that Matt brings on the golden title track with its grey grit and subtle eccentricity. “Steal the Love” is a great rock tune with some great soloing in the second half. I love “Love Letters” so much for its driving, ominous guitar work and sense of urgency. I feel like that song will be amazing live. The final track is “Lay Down the Cross”, and it is a bit gentler and encouraging in tone. I like how it feels conversational and relatable, and I like the way Matt sings the rapid fire lines in the second half. Such a great tune.
American Mystic really deserves your attention. This album has heavy and soft moments, huge hooks and subtle tonal shifts, ponderous segments as well as driving energy. There is something here for everyone, and Dream the Electric Sleep deserves every bit of love this album garners them.
______________
Find Dream the Electric Sleep online:
______________
______________
The PROG Mind 