SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE DREAM EATERS – THE DREAM EATERS QUARTERLY REPORT: Q125

THE DREAM EATERS
THE DREAM EATERS QUARTERLY REPORT: Q125
INDEPENDENT

The Brooklyn and Toronto-based pop duo The Dream Eaters has released a new EP. Listeners may have become aware of this act, fronted by Elizabeth LeBaron and Jake Zavracky, through their weird and hilarious music video clips on social media. This is not the first time that the pair have presented their work in an expanded form, and The Dream Eaters Quarterly Report: Q125 sees them maintaining the creative musicianship and satirical observations of works past. The canvas may be larger than their work on social media, but LeBaron and Zavracky have plenty to say, and they say it well.

With songs written and recorded by Zavracky at Sinhaler Studio in Woodstock New York, the production on this release is top-notch. Drawing from a multitude of genres, a number of the songs have a familiar feel in terms of style, but the lyrics are full of surprise and (often dark) humour. Case in point can be found in the leadoff track “The Computer Tells Me What to Do”. With its bombastic, prog-rock driving guitars and layered vocals in the chorus, there is emotional security in the music, but horror in the realization that computers are controlling our lives.

Gears shift on the synth-centered, Rundgren-esque pop of “Frequency”, a musical confection about alienation and wanting to make personal connections. In this song, as in much of The Dream Eaters’ work, some of the heavier lyrical content is cushioned by musical hooks and slick production, to great effect. The ideas of submission antiquated sexual mores, and personal physical autonomy have never been presented in catchier or more danceable ways.

While it is only six songs in length, The Dream Eaters Quarterly Report: Q125 covers a lot of ground, and it is impressive to hear the duo’s songs fleshed out, in a broader format. Though much of it leans toward satire, there are moments that are sincerely heartfelt and others that are absurdly goofy. There is much to enjoy here – give it a listen!

SPILL NEW MUSIC: THE DREAM EATERS – “SACRIFICE”

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