Dreams never end….
My lasting memory of Power of Dreams is them playing to a fervent packed out King Tuts, in front of a sweaty heaving mass of bodies. They attracted an ardent hardcore of fans. I remember people standing outside, having travelled far and wide following the band around the country. Many turned up without tickets hoping to be able to get in on the night and to find a friendly face to let them kip on their couch or floor.
Immigrants, Emigrants and Me set the scene for me, with sophomore release 2 Hell with Common Sense introducing a more powerful edge to their sound. I saw them a few times after the initial intro and they never failed to disappoint. An energetic headrush. Powerful hook laden songs full of passion, sometimes loaded with ire. Others full of hope and positivity (as reflected in the title of their third album). They were like the anti-U2 (Never Been to Texas) and the anti “cool” – be yourself and fuck everyone else. The audiences were a hotch-potch of music fans – crusty’s, punks, indie kids…welcoming to all.
That debut album is still one of my go-to records, not just for a nostalgia trip, but because it is packed with genuinely tremendous songs.
I’m delighted then that 30 years (!!!) down the line from that debut release, the band have returned and released a couple of new tracks last week. Across the Shannon and America.
Across the Shannon
A tender and touching ballad. A reflection on life, on how to be a better person, on things he could/should have done. The thoughtful words delivered over a minimalistic understated soft and gentle keyboard. Allowing the listener to focus on the lyrics. Slowly and subtly the band layer guitars, before the full band kicks in for the last minute or so, unveiling the final realisation that he has become that better man he has been reflecting on. A beautiful song of love proving that less is sometimes more.
America
America ramps up the pace a bit. Showing that despite the obvious songwriting journey, reflection and maturity shown in Across the Shannon, they have still not lost any of their acid tongue or passionate energy. A critique of the pace/way of life in the US of A. The thumping chorus warning “the pursuit of happiness is a trap”, before slowing to a slightlydelic refrain. For the fans of the Power of Dreams spirited vim and vigour, the fraught energy returns in the final breathless crescendo.
Welcome back, we’ve missed you.