When going to listen to a new alt-J album, you never quite know what you're going to hear. With each of their albums, they've transitioned into new styles and avenues with their music. The projects are uniquely them with their signature touch and sound throughout, but they stand alone at the same time. Once again, The Dream switches directions from their previous work into a more grounded and personal sound.
In previous albums, Alt-J has had some immensely grandiose songs with overwhelming builds to beautiful resolutions. Here, the group almost thrives in simplicity. Not to say it's all toned down. For example, Philadelphia has moments of triumphant highs, but the record has much more of a reflective and gentle feel to it. Some of the songs carry this thin veil of fragility as the band shows their continued maturity in songwriting. It's beautiful to listen to and experience.
Alt-J is a band who feels like a well oiled machine with each gear working in unison with the other. Each member's playing is so in touch with what the others are doing. The songs feature the story telling of Joe Newman who pushes himself to a very personable place throughout. His words hit high emotional heights at many points throughout the project, exploring different points of view and stories. I'm always impressed with Thom Sonny Green's drumming. It is perfectly placed, knowing exactly when to dial up and also pull back to allow the track to breathe. Whether acoustic or electronic drums, they suit the respective instrumentals well, adding to the organic feel of the album as a whole.
I've grown up with alt-J. I was a young kid discovering my own taste in music when An Awesome Wave came out. Nearly a decade after their first release, I can say for certain that it's been incredible to watch where they choose to go with every album. The Dream feels like a real snap shot of the band and where they currently are. They've accomplished so much and have gone so far over the years, so it's amazing to see them really express themselves here. While they've been releasing music for so long, I feel like I've gotten to understand them better as musicians and songwriters through this project. Who knows what the future will hold for alt-J and what they'll do next. Regardless of what that is, I can't wait to see.
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