Jeffrey Lewis- A Turn In The Dream Songs
New York's cult cartoonist-cum-songwriter Jeffrey Lewis encapsulates pure sweetness in latest release 'A Turn In The Dream Songs'. Understated but creatively bold, the album was recorded entirely on two-inch analogue tape, a choice of vintage quirk which completely suits the flavour of the songs.
As the name of the record suggests, this is the work of a dreamer. There is a deep sense of calmness at times, with 'To Go and Return' and 'I Got Lost' sounding gorgeous with brushed drum beats and mandolin sparkling gently. The beautifully muted and almost twee instrumentals encapsulate how it feels to daydream. But then as we get to 'Cult Boyfriend', the tempo gets picked up a little, with a rock n roll beat kicking things a little harder.
It's really quite interesting to see how Lewis' seemingly limited vocal range can be so adapted from each song. It sits somewhere between a spoken word style with that of an endearingly monotonous growl- and somehow it becomes the defining instrumental element to each track. The touch of edge that it brings makes the simplicity of the broadly folky indie reach a different level- and one which builds a strong platform for the wonderfully weird lyrical content. 'Wonderfully weird?' you ask? Have a little listen to 'Krongu Green Slime' and you will understand the abstract place of imagination from which this record has originated.
This is one of those records you can listen to on two completely separate levels. One is to bask in the warmth of the instrumentally gorgeous sound you become flooded with. It speaks with a sweetness we've seen so frequently from indie pop darlings, Belle and Sebastian. But then you could also choose to fully hone in on each beautifully crafted lyric which screams more Arab Strap (just listen to 'When You're By Yourself') or Half Man Half Biscuit than anything else. Give it a go and see what you think.