Robert Sotelo, a Glasgow-based bedroom pop songsmith with six albums since 2017, and Mary Currie, known for her experimental work with Flaming Tunes, have joined forces for a captivating new EP titled “Dream Songs.” Released on Upset The Rhythm, this four-track EP delves into the ethereal world of dreams and memory, offering a unique listening experience.
The collaboration began when Sotelo, inspired by a series of vivid lucid dreams, approached Currie to work on songs exploring these themes. These weren’t just any dreams; Sotelo recounted experiencing hyper-realistic scenarios, including visiting familiar yet unreal locations in London. This sense of disorientation and the blurring lines between reality and the subconscious became the lyrical foundation for “Dream Songs.”
Currie resonated with this dreamlike concept, contributing her lyrical passages that further explore the intricacies of memory and time. Her vocal parts, recorded in London with the assistance of Alison Craig, were then interwoven with Sotelo’s tracks by producer and electronic music expert Joe Howe. Howe’s production creates a minimalist soundscape, built upon bass, drum machine, and keys, allowing the distinctive vocals of Sotelo and Currie to take center stage. This sparse instrumentation enhances the intimate and introspective nature of the “dream songs.”
The EP features four tracks, each offering a unique sonic journey. “Expectations” is a reflective piece, punctuated by Currie’s poignant words on time and the human condition. Her spoken word adds a layer of gravity, emphasizing the weight of time and the search for meaning. “Telegraph Hill” presents a fluid and glossy sound, evoking vivid imagery through lyrics that touch upon motorways, ancient structures, and abstract concepts like paralysis and emanations. “Lady Fortune” offers a tranquil exploration of fate, enriched with delicate electronic textures and clarinet melodies, adding layers of sophistication to the minimalist arrangements. These are not straightforward pop songs; they are mercurial soundscapes that shift and evolve, mirroring the unpredictable nature of dreams themselves.
“Dream Songs” is available in both physical and digital formats. A limited edition black vinyl, restricted to 400 copies, offers a tangible experience for collectors and audiophiles. The vinyl edition includes a digital download of the album in high-quality formats, ensuring listeners can enjoy “Dream Songs” in any setting. For those who prefer digital, the EP is also available as a standalone streaming and download option, providing immediate access to these dreamlike soundscapes.
The tracklist includes:
- Lady Fortune
- Dream States
- Expectations
- Telegraph Hill
“Dream Songs” by Robert Sotelo & Mary Currie was released on October 4, 2024, by Upset The Rhythm. The EP is a testament to the power of collaboration and the evocative nature of dream-inspired creativity. Explore the hazy and reflective world of “Dream Songs” and let yourself be transported to a space between reality and reverie. Purchase your copy today and delve into the sonic landscape crafted by these innovative artists.
Credits:
Robert Sotelo: voice, words, bass, keys, guitar
Mary Currie: voice, words
Joe Howe: keys, clarinet, drum machine
Sound design, production, and mix by Joe Howe. Mastered by Dominic Clare.
Released October 4, 2024 on Upset The Rhythm. All rights reserved.
