Review Summary: A pure embodiment of musical warmth and bliss.
Sometimes it takes a bit of immersion for an album’s mood to fully take over. Sometimes individual tracks, even ones richly packed with atmospherics, simply can’t convey their message out of context. So it says a lot that
Fever Dreams’ summery vibes deliver an undeniable, warming charm within the first minute of the opening track, the groovy beach-going (and inappropriately-titled) “Frost”. While Depth Connection’s previous EP
Different Waves captured summer in the elated frolic of its bright, upbeat guitar lines,
Fever Dreams takes a more peaceful, relaxed approach by basqueing in the warmth of a setting sun’s last rays.
Depth Connection’s slick guitar leads are once again at the heart of
Fever Dreams, and despite generally being more subdued than anything like the frantic climax of “Droplets”, the real reason they never quite steal the show is only because of the boosted confidence and refinement of the layered production that surrounds them. Most of the tracks here still boast creative and captivating guitar lines, but there’s a refined sense of balance among the colorful soundscapes, which creates not only stronger individual tracks but a more powerful and diverse release as a whole. The electronic elements themselves generally feel richer, more varied, and fittingly smooth. As if to prove the point, highlight “Free Runner” delivers a bassy groove that’s masterfully locked in, while the weight of the melody is placed on soulful keys and enveloping synth melodies that hang in the air like a soft, pillowy cloud. There’s not a single negative melody, drum beat, or progression here, and there’s nothing negative that can be said about
Fever Dreams. It’s a stunning refinement of Depth Connection’s already impressive ability to capture the purity of warm, summer happiness.
