New album Dream Talk from Still Corners out April 5th via Wrecking Light Records
The new album from duo of Tessa Murphy and Greg Hughes is an album they have been building towards as a two-piece since forming in 2009.
Dreampop would be a category you would attempt to pigeon hole Still Corners into, yet they are a band who are not restricted by such terms, they are a pop band with rock sensibilities or a rock band with electro stylings in abundance that tick so many boxes of influences.
Returning with new album material since 2021's The Last Exit which was well received, the duo return with new songs that are both ethereal and melodic. From the opener 'Today's the Day' which is sounds like a long lost cousin of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game' it has this earnest hook that yearns for attention. It is a great modus operandi opener for an album that does not deviate from the hypnotic course it is sailing. This idea of sailing comes full circle in a song like 'The Ship' which appears near the end of the album; a deeply affecting vocal featuring layered vocals and swooning production
Take for instance a song like 'Crystal Blue' a dreamy song that could be the access point for any such dreampop playlist yet it is Murphy's hushed delivery (reminiscent of Alice Boman) that makes it earworm worthy, the deliberate restrained nature of the production happening underneath her is mesmeric.
Fans who know their work will not be surprised by the content available, and for this listener who is familiar with the oeuvre of dream-gaze pop and such contemporaries as Mint Julep will be raptured by this album
The best moments of the album is when it lets the chains of dream-gaze fall away and veers closer to pop such as 'Lose More Slowly' or 'Faded Love' and these fleeting moments enhance an album that will be greatly appreciated on multiple listens.
At times romantic, swooning and mysterious this is a yearning piece of stylish dream pop ripe for a wider audience and will be perfect for the summer (if it ever comes) as we sway to it as the sun goes down on a festival evening.
Dream Talk is out now via Wrecking Light records
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