One can hardly praise The Dream Syndicate enough for the fact that their reunion, which also took place in the studio from 2017, was not exhausted in the usual infusion of old heat baths. Here was a band that was actually ready to be caught cold again, especially on the last album, The Universe Inside, an amazing lump of jazz-prog-psych that the band probably always carried, but only in its second incarnation so uncompromisingly let off the assembly line.
A quiet journey into the pain and memories you never had
Despite shimmering prelude signals, the fourth work in the second life of the Dream Syndicate has now become a pure song album again. It starts solidly with “Where I’ll Stand” and the almost lascivious understatement of “Damian”. “Beyond Control” then exemplifies how DS 2 transform a seductive intro into a clockwork psychedelia confidently driven by Dennis Duck. Above that cool Steve Wynn, who eludes any cheap emotionalization where it is obvious.
“This is what it looks like when you don’t belong anymore,” he begins. No, no drama, no big bang, “it just finds you unlike you were before.” Yes, it’s uncanny how quickly everything can change, “Hard To Say Goodbye” calmly sums up this profanity of the before and after. Shouldn’t be a candidate for a funeral, because consolation without pathos is only conditionally consensual – just like this practiced mocking undertone that Wynn strikes in the crisp “Trying To Get Over”. Just this “well” before Jason Victor can let off the leash a bit.
The guitar wall of “Every Time You Come Around” also quotes DS 1, while the finale “Straight Lines” comes up with funny Farfisa trash from new member Chris Cacavas. Not to be missed: “My Lazy Mind,” a silent journey into the pain and memories you never had. Nevertheless, against all evidence, paradoxically: “The stain remained, the loss is gained.” Certainly a loss if The Dream Syndicate had not decided to reunite.
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