Country Crossover: Dream-Pop
Meta Stange
Meta Stange
One of the greatest features of music is that it is a global phenomenon, capable of spanning countries far and wide. While many nations and cultures have developed their own styles, hundreds of genres are represented on a worldwide scale. “Country Crossover” is meant to highlight some of the best bands from across the globe in a specific genre.
This week, we’ll be looking at dream-pop groups. Dream-pop is traditionally categorized by fuzzy vocals and the use of guitar effects to achieve a “wall of sound” aesthetic. The term originated in the late 80s and has recently seen a resurgence. The feel-good sensation of dream-pop is impossible to ignore and provides an escape from the humdrum of everyday life in favor of a hazy, nearly ethereal experience. Check out the bands below and prepare yourself for a solid dose of good vibes.
Washed Out - United States
Georgia-born Ernest Greene is Washed Out, a chillwave, dream-pop act that has been active since 2009. His music incorporates electronic elements, including warbling synth and liberal drum machine use. The fuzzy vocal stylings and use of distortion achieve a distinctively dreamy sound. Greene has received significant critical acclaim, and, perhaps more importantly, has his song “Life of Leisure” featured in the opening sequence of Portlandia.
https://soundcloud.com/washedoutofficial/washed-out-dont-give-up
Tirman Kid - Argentina
Buenos Aires crew Martin Dick, Agustin Slapak, Manuel Gvirtz, and Matias Oyamburu make up Tirman Kid. Their brand of dream-pop is a timeless one, vaguely reminiscent of 60s psych-rock, but with glimmering synth and pulsing high-hat tied together by a steady bass and hazy guitar.
https://soundcloud.com/tirman-kid/maybe
Oyama - Iceland
Iceland has given us superstars like Bjork and Sigur Ros, and now they have done it again with Reykjavík based Oyama. Oyama represents the louder side of dream-pop. Relying mainly on soaring guitars and driving drums, the band is a nosier alternative to some of the other bands presented here. They describe themselves best, “We play sleepy melodies wrapped in puffy clouds of noise and angsty peach fuzz.”
https://oyamaband.bandcamp.com/
The Away Days - Turkey
The Away Days makes songs that are the sonic equivalent of lying on a sun-drenched dock, dipping your toes in the water. Formed in Istanbul in 2012, they have already gained a reputation as one of Turkey’s most exciting acts. They have found a global audience, playing South by Southwest and touring in the United Kingdom.
Meta went on her first trip before the age of two and has been infected with wanderlust ever since. Her dream is to live a nomadic lifestyle so she can experience all the world has to offer. She's addicted to music, coffee, and making really bad jokes.
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