Pinch Me, I Must Be Feeling

Sin Fang, Sóley & Örvar Smárason came together for a new project fittingly titled Team Dreams, a beautiful album that moves the listener emotionally and into the wonderland of their memories. It is truly difficult to listen to any song on this album without reflecting on life, experiences good and bad. A difficulty no one will complain about. Listening to some of these might prompt a double-take and the question, “have I heard this before?” Real power lies in every one of these tracks.

Each song on this album is a world of its own that surrounds, cautions and comforts the listener. “Random Haiku Generator” introduces the album, with the lyrics entering almost immediately after the first note is sounded. The kalimba-like sound used throughout tickles the ears as many of the sounds in this album do, and the later heard bell sound gives a spiritual aura to the tune without making it seem religious. Point for inclusivity. This song is the sweet comfort of being sung to by a friend or a loved one.

“Love Will Leave You Cold” has a long, peaceful instrumental opening, representing the emptiness felt in the immediate loss of love, or in the throws of loneliness. This is when loneliness seems to be at its peak, and change is coming soon, but the type of soon that is far too long. The vocals only appear in two bursts, allowing maximum space for the instrumentals to occupy, and it’s unclear whether or not the ones singing are trying to embrace the coldness of love or not. “Wasted” is in 7/4 time (seven beats per measure), and this particular way that the 7/4 is played feels like breathing: the first three counts are the active inhale, the latter four are the calm exhale. Hearing the different voices alternate adds life to this piece, one that features some haunting lyrics: “The outside needs a place to hide.” Chills. And the accuracy of the line “we are throwing up our favorite words” is shocking to many a person who gets wasted.

Picture now the dark, electrified world of Tron. Imagine a small concert venue in a busy downtown, the sort of place that people frequently walk past. Inside those doors can be heard the mature anthem of emotionally frail girls, glazed with a layer of complete stillness; stillness that startles, then relaxes. That is the world that “Black Screen” brings you into. The transition from the drum-less intro to the faux four-on-the-floor beat that follows further helps reel in passersby. And the running synth that makes an appearance later in the song is an absolute treasure.

Move now to the buttery clapping that dots “Slowly,” another enchanting tune with perhaps the best singing of the bunch. The bells heard in it sound a tad Middle Eastern, and the entire song could very well be the soundtrack to someone experimenting with depressant drugs for the first time. “Citrus Light” is the product of a couple of hippies out on the road, graced with a soothing idea for a song that easily flows right out of them.

“Tennis” might need to be re-released as a single with a rapper or two featured on it, perhaps Childish Gambino or Logic. It has an awesome intro to a big, emotional song. The piano driven “Space” is quite emotional, and is the most relatable for those who feel lost. Beautiful music. Coming in as the most pop-like number is “Used and Confused,” which begins with a popcorn-y synth part that excellently piques the interest of the ears.

A young female singer somewhere was born to sing “Go to Sleep Boy,” the tenth of the twelve songs. It balances worry and innocence in a precious way. The delicate thumping of the 808s in “The Sun Will Go Out” helps to make this one of the prettiest songs of this album, but that is a tough spot to call. This one would be perfect for someone whose actions are far too dictated by fear.

“Dream Team Party Kids” is a solid choice for album closer. It’s the sound heard when the tide is low, the sun is teasing all in its last hour of the day. The others there are but a blur, save one person, the person that’s just right, but something seems almost too good about him/her. This is before their flaw reveals itself, and this is the most free-spirited and passion-driven one can be. But it isn’t solely about the accompanying person, for the place and the feeling are such a perfect pair, hardly anything can top it. While soaking in this vacation high, it’s uncertain whether or not this a dream or a false memory, but it feels good, right.

This album, wow. Saying anymore might oversell it. (If you can), stop what you’re doing and go give it a listen.