Day & Dream – Rabbit Hole
The arc of any style of rock music is practically the same, and it much resembles the story of the lives of most modern humans. Shortly after their creation, just as it starts developing an identity, the music is fast, angry, and out to prove a point. Punk-rock is a good example. Here musicians looked to dial back on rock’s vocabulary, relying on its bare essentials.
Next, as those musicians acquired the praise of a devoted following and the scorn of mainstream music fans, they began to wonder just how they might be able to use their newly-acquired skillset. Playing more almost inevitably leads to playing better. It also leads to asking questions about the dynamics of the music being performed. Fast forward many years, and punk music lead to dream pop.
An example of music made with the directness of punk, but also, with special attention given towards soft, gentle dynamics is Day & Dream’s single Rabbit Hole. Pretty melodies seem to melt off the creamy instrumental while the lyrics conjure up lovely, psychedelic images of Wonderland.
Supermilk – Cease to Exist
Music critics tend to love music scenes. As a result, they wax poetically about the potential of certain cities at specific times to breed great bands and artists. Of course, this is more myth than reality, but it helps with writing reviews, arranging records on a shelf, or drawing up playlists.
Having said that, don’t underestimate the possibilities being afforded by living in a large city with a tradition of supporting the arts. Playing post-punk in Eastern Europe is a lot like talking about ballet to a bunch of rugby fans. Writing poetry if you’re living in Paris is almost to be expected. Making angry, catchy guitar music as a Londoner doesn’t make anyone bat an eye.
Supermilk’s Cease to Exist is a feisty, memorable post-punk song made possible by the decades of history. Singing one’s dissatisfaction over guitar noise and a catchy beat is an accepted form of protest in England and a treasured method of expressing one’s creativity. Supermilk does these things very well. They may not get any votes in the Eurovision, but because of their traditions, England keeps lovers of guitar-music interested still.
