Veteran rock star Jeff Rosenstock returns with an explosive new record NO DREAMS. A 13 track album that highlights Rosenstock’s talents as a songwriter and musician. This is the fourth output from his latest band Death Rosenstock, with Rosenstock himself on vocals, guitar, keys and more, John Dedomenici on bass, Kevin Higuchi on drums, and Dan Potthast on acoustic guitar, keys and vocals as well. With the help from frequent collaborators, NO DREAMS is a bright and fun record that doesn’t shy away from reality and honesty.
The fast paced intro “NO TIME” is just the tip of the energetic iceberg that lays under the psychedelic artwork of this record. Higuchi’s drumming on this track (and all over the record) is top notch, creating colorful tempos that allows his bandmates to craft ear-catching melodies. This energy continues on the back half of the title track. The song structure allows for the band to show off some of their greatest strengths in terms of songwriting, fast paced rock, and overall fantastic musicianship.
Jeff Rosenstock’s songwriting is stronger than ever on NO DREAM. His voice can truly bring out anyones inner-child, the way he is able to transition from frantic screaming to playful melodies is a science that cannot be repeated by anyone else. Rosenstock is able to structure melodies that bring sunlight to the cloudiest days. Songs like “***BNB” is a storybook of a track that plays like a short-film, providing vivid imagery and sometimes relatable scenarios that allows the listener to see the world from a different point of view. Track 3, “Scram!” is another example of this band's fantastic arrangements. Great harmonies to tag along with an instrumentation that goes from jumpy guitars to a full blown chaotic masterpiece.
Rosenstock isn’t afraid to touch on our reality as well. “They were separating families carelessly/under the guise of protecting you and me” is just one of the politically charged lines in the title track “N O D R E A M” a song that touches on some of our world's toughest truths, but faces them head on.
Imagine your 11-years-old again with a bag of gummy bears and not a care in the world, to me that is the physical manifestation of NO DREAM. This record is able to transport you from your everyday life to a swing set at your favorite playground. It’s a collection of songs that are honest, energetic and warm all at the same time. Balancing harsh realizations and child-like wonder, NO DREAM is able to soundtrack your next roadtrip or a rainy day in your bedroom.
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