In 2023, with Knowledge Freedom Power, The Slow Readers Club aimed to counter the bleakness of the times. Frontman Aaron Starkey observed, “The world had grown so bleak that crafting apocalyptic imagery seemed almost indulgent, considering it was already a grim reality. I thought people might be yearning for something more uplifting; it was my aim to inject a bit of positivity.” Yet, as if to defy their optimism, the world has since descended into further chaos. Rather than retreat from this reality, their latest release, Out Of A Dream, embraces the dissonance of our era. It confronts a world adrift, devoid of direction, while paradoxically delivering some of the most exuberantly catchy and uplifting melodies heard this side of 2016.
A prevailing theme throughout the album is the encroaching presence of technology and the struggle to maintain a sense of reality in an increasingly digital world. This is starkly evident in the recently released single “Technofear,” whose title speaks volumes, and in “Know This I Am,” with its evocative opening line, “Here come the robots, I am a caveman crawling,” capturing a feeling of displacement in a tech-dominated landscape. Meanwhile, the chaotic state of the world is strikingly conveyed in “Pirouette,” with its lyrics and relentlessly spiraling chorus perfectly capturing the feeling of a world unravelling. Beyond the band’s evident apprehension towards technology, “Again” stands out as the album’s sole true foray into politically charged territory. Driven by a relentless barrage of discordant, arpeggiated synth patterns, this track unleashes a scathing critique of corporate and billionaire influence on political power, a sonic assault mirroring the very chaos it condemns. Crucially, however, neither this track nor any other on the album succumbs to overt political preaching. The band avoids didacticism, opting instead to weave their critiques into the fabric of the music, allowing listeners to draw their own conclusions.
When it comes to undeniably infectious, feel-good tracks, “Animals” and “Boy So Blue” rightfully stand out as singles. “Animals” marks a surprising departure for Starkey, who admits it pushed him beyond his comfort zone. The track’s punchy drum and bass provides a vibrant energy, a welcome contrast to the band’s typically darker, melancholic sound. “Boy So Blue,” meanwhile, is a masterclass in anthemic construction, seamlessly blending the nostalgic synth-pop textures of early Depeche Mode and Erasure with the soaring, crowd-pleasing melodies reminiscent of Coldplay’s most resonant work. This synthesis of familiar influences results in a track that feels both original and immediately appealing.
Among the album’s non-single tracks, “Dear Silence” is a particular standout for this reviewer. Born from a simple chorus melody, it quickly becomes an earworm, destined to ignite live audiences with its infectious energy.
Despite venturing outside their comfort zone in places, for those who have journeyed with The Slow Readers Club from their earliest days, Out Of A Dream still offers a familiar echo with the band’s trademark sound woven throughout. “Loved You Then” in particular, serves as a poignant return, evoking the raw emotionality of their earlier work. Here, Starkie delves into personal reflection; a moment of vulnerability, examining the landscape of childhood and grappling with the lasting impressions of parental influence.
The album also features a unique take on the love song. “Our Song Is Sung” delivers a unique perspective on love, offering an autopsy of its end rather than a celebration. Despite its somber tone, a glimmer of hope persists. The track’s warm, organic layers build with quiet intensity, mirroring the complex emotions of letting go and looking ahead.
Out Of A Dream is The Slow Readers Club’s response to a turbulent era—not a retreat, but a navigation of the storm. It’s a soundtrack for a world unmoored, yet it carries within it the echoes of more radiant times, a collection of melodies as stubbornly uplifting as they are undeniably timely.
VERDICT:
Out Of A Dream is out now.
