Debut EP from Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders

Coming out of Glasgow, musician Jack Wakeman is known for his perpetual quest for self-discovery and sonic exploration, stepping into the spotlight in 2020 by assembling a band under his name, The Dreamstriders. Previousl, his work as a session bass guitarist for over a decade has seen him work with the likes of New Order, The Fall and BC Camplight among others.

Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders journey began to unfold the following year with the debut single “Visions.” This marked the inception of a musical venture that would lead to a string of tracks and, ultimately, their fourth single, “The Witching Hour,” released in March this year. The latter swiftly gained popularity, becoming their most played song and paving the way for the band’s first UK tour, culminating in a sold-out spectacle at Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy.

Now Jack brings us his most ambitious release to date with his brand new EP titled The Twilight Zone, a five track opus that presents the full scope of his genre-blending alternative indie sound. With a thematic focus on apocalyptic optimism, impending doom, desperation, and introverted isolation, the EP maintains a balance through Wakeman’s trademark tongue-in-cheek approach.

For him, music is an exhilarating escapade, especially when it unfolds just before the world meets its end. Drawing on a wide range of influences from lounge jazz to prog rock to disco and looking to artists from every style from classical to heavy rock, with his debut EP, Jack Wakeman delivers an epic distillation of various styles, all filtered through his distinct sonic lens.

Opened by lead single “Love: The Twilight Zone,” the EP kicks off with a playful sound of soft lead guitar twangs that dance with intricate synth tones above warm strummed guitar chords and shuffling drums. Jack’s vocals enter to thread compelling melodic leads carrying whimsical and, at times, abstract lyricism to craft an engaging sound that shifts through contrasting moods of indie rock, art pop, retro power pop and touches of psychedelic. It’s a superb display of the band’s ability to tie together various styles and vibes and deliver a cohesive and memorable sound.

“Time Thief” follows with delicate guitar notes and laid back percussive shots and Jack’s rich voice hovers above to create a heartwarming sound. Building with bright piano plinks, lush backing vocal harmonies and the splash of cymbals, Jack’s vocals rise with subtle swagger, resulting in a stellar progressive pop jam.

Next up, “Where’s My Place In The World” spins an enchanting sound with an elegant arrangement of piano, guitars, drums and dazzling strings. Jack threads a moving vocal performance with poignant lyrics as he guides us through a dynamic landscape of shifting rhythms and blissful melodies.

“Morning Light” kicks off with a percussion crash then settles into a mellow groove of pulsing bass lines, jangly guitar tones and stretching synth textures. It’s a vibrant slice of spacey indie-galactic music that reveals the depth of the artist’s creativity and knack for bringing timeless songwriting to life in an original way.

The EP closes with “Double Vision Hyper Fantasy” with its buzzy synth line and marching drum beat setting up a lively backdrop of bouncy rhythm and colourful arrangement for Jack to stitch catchy melodic threads into the fabric of the song. It’s a marvellous finale for this rising talent’s sensational debut EP, one that’s sure to entertain his fans and win over new listeners around the world.

Listen to The Twilight Zone below