“Dream Pop” Reviews

Hopefully, this collection of odds and sods from Manual’s archives presages a sea change in Jonas Munk’s career.

Shoegazer pop that proves to be far more affecting and infectious than one might initially think.

Mahogany’s shimmering sounds evoke futuristic metropolises that only seem to exist in sci-fi movies and anime.

Where The Days Go’s most interesting tracks are those that let a little noise scuff up July Skies’ burnished sound a bit.

As familiar as Guthrie’s music might be, it rarely sounds stale or recycled.

The trio imbues their music with a certain youthful naiveté that can endear them to all but the most cynical of souls.

Featuring Aarktica, Robin Guthrie, July Skies, I Am Robot and Proud, Lowlife, and more.

On Continental, Robin Guthrie shakes free somewhat of his own well-defined sound.

Epic45 weaves in a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness that touches on the notions of abandoned, forgotten places.

Fans of classic 4AD sounds, as well as stuff like Windy & Carl and Lanterna, will find plenty to like here.

Takes Darla’s signature drum n’ bliss sound and gives it a healthy and heartfelt upgrade.

The heart and soul of Lachica’s music draws from 4AD’s glory days.

Orange Cake Mix presents a blend of shoegaze, glitch, warm electronica, and pop.

As a fan of all things drone-y, blissed out, and dreampop, this one hit the sweet spot.

Harding makes no bones about his desire to make music of only the most gossamer nature, and over the course of 37 minutes, he makes very convincing arguments for his claim.

Mojave 3 has gone for a starker acoustic sound that’s stripped down, sparse, and surprisingly more inviting.

These songs are pure filigree, the musical equivalent of rococo art, completely concerned with ornamentation and flourish.

Swirling guitars and glittering electronics lead the way, with female vocals weaving in and out.

On the whole, I like Fall Sounds more, but Of Color Bright has quite a few bright spots of its own.