Review
Anne
Dream Punx

In a genre of little distinction, Anne’s Dream Punx delves deeper into their own capabilities than most would’ve thought possible. The melodies used and the intertwining riffs create a wall of sound that evoke a sense of nostalgia for when Slowdive was around without having the feeling of a cheap knock off. The most captivating thing about this album is the band’s ability to capture a mood: dreary eyed to sanguine, while romanticizing each aspect. They draw from numerous influences ranging from 60s psychedelic to 70s synth-pop while maintaining a bond with their numerous contemporaries to make a unique sound that is, in this writer’s opinion, a breath of fresh air. The vocals are camouflaged into the background almost as if they were another instrument thrown into the mix. This can be a turn off for some listeners and unfortunately makes this album a little less accessible. However, the constant flow and the musical prowess shown should be enough to draw in a few ears.

Though I won’t ramble on about each individual song, there are a couple of which I’d like to touch on that deserve some extra attention. The harmonies in the third track, “Lower Faiths,” are the strongest on the album: beautifully put together and well thought out. An orchestral sense fills the entire song with visions of concert halls and theatres yet combining with the ambiance for a dreary late night bar. The song’s ending draws attention to Anne’s ability to write very climactic music while maintaining a constant flow to the next song. Dream Punx has a droning sensitivity that could, if given the chance, convert a few mainstream audience members. Songs like “Punk Bike” and my favorite track, the album’s closer, “Virginal Plight,” share a pop sensitivity that alludes to mainstream success. A catchy rhythm section and memorable crescendos make the latter a stand out track. It is pieced together in a way that evokes the stargazer in all of us, if only for a brief moment. “Tarvantovaara” is a great track that seems to stick out like a sore thumb on this album, in a good way. Not to say it doesn’t fit, but it’s constructed very differently from the rest of the album. It starts with a riff that could easily be used by a modern punk band, than fades into the outlying soundscape that this album is more familiar with. It then throws us for a loop with a mellow break that focuses more on vocal harmonies than any song on the album. The mood is dark and relentless as we’re taken down a contemplative path. Robert Smith (The Cure) would be proud of such a monument to brooding.

Dream Punx is a great album that allows you to discover something new after every listen. This is masterfully written dream pop that can influence our very disposition and thought. Layers upon layers of synth and emotion make this one of the best albums to come out in 2011.