SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HALEY BONAR – IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

Haley Bonar
Impossible Dream
GNDWIRE

“What I write is born of my own set of memories and ideas, and once they are released into the world, they do not belong to me anymore. The interpretation is all yours, therefore these stories are yours.”

With 10 new tracks to surely speak volumes in several ways, Haley Bonar takes us into her seventh studio album, Impossible Dream, released on August 5, 2016.

After quitting school at age 20 to pursue a career in music, Haley has released four full-length albums, several EPs, started a Punk/New-Wave side project and tours across the world alongside other artists.

The singer-songwriter’s previous work, Last War (2014), took a more conceptual, dim take on her music while the new album sounds significantly more bright, reverbed, and somewhat mythical. Nevertheless, both her previous and recent works have shown Haley’s aptitude for songwriting blended with good storytelling.

“Kismet Kill,” the first single of the album, unveils with gritty guitars and lyrics of reaching adulthood but still wanting to cling on to adolescence; nudging at a midlife crisis. “And now we’re the kids who got kids at parties,” makes a touching yet brutal truth to the matter. There are so many songs out there that are anthems to not wanting to grow up; this song appears to describe the aftermath when the undeniable fate catches up to us.

The bittersweet theme in “I Can Change” lets Bonar’s eerie and gripping vocals flow effortlessly. This track is one of the centrepieces to the album, being an all-around treat for the ears.

As satisfying as it is, I couldn’t help but hear a bit of Best Coast’s instrumental style in certain tracks, as well as vocal similarities to Emily Haines from Metric, and Lana Del Rey.

Impossible Dream wholeheartedly shows Bonar’s gift for storytelling. With more than one road to travel on, it’s up to the listeners to discover what they’ll take from their own insight. It’s truly a kaleidoscopic thrill.

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