“I will never feel this way ever again.”
“I wish I’d never met (insert name of relevant asshole here).”
“How could you do this to me?”
“Maybe it was my fault, maybe I deserve this?”
We’ve all been there. Moments or experiences that make us feel empowered or broken. Determined never to make the same mistakes again. If you’ve ever felt and said the above statements, chances are you’re going to get along fine with Broken Dreams Club. Personally, I’ve said these quotes waiting for a Domino’s order to arrive. Hour and a half it took. Disgusting.
The Party is the latest release from Broken Dreams Club. The project of Bristol-based artist Amy utilises a lo-fi aesthetic to create music that aims straight for the feels. Writing about relationships and the wondrous rollercoaster of emotions they can bring, the EP is a treasure trove of relatability that you could seek solace in time and time again.
Kicking off with lead single ‘Pool Party’, the EP opens up with a tempo that eases you into its world. The lazily strummed guitars, the early-morning tone of synth and the glorious harmonies of Amy sounds like a great place to start. I love the crunchy texture of the drums that beat a jagged rhythm that forces its own groove into the track. Alongside the steady melodies, it makes for great opener. I could see it being used in any coming-of-age film.
‘Car’ follows with a sprawling sound that spills out of the airwaves. Guitars and vocals stumble into the ears with a moody vibe similar to the likes of Soccer Mommy and Phoebe Bridgers, before bringing more of those jagged drums to lift the spirit a bit. Amy sings a constant regret throughout, allowing her voice to weave between the instruments to create this sound that warps the mind.
Honestly, it’s this sprawling quality that makes me enjoy The Party so much. The way you seem to fall into the next song makes it so exciting, and so easy to become lost in. ‘Love Letters’ stands alone as a real highlight of the EP and catches you off guard with its fresh tread of chords that launch into a heart-breaking monologue from Amy. “imagine there being somebody else who wasn’t me / I don’t have to imagine”. Its powerful lyrics spiral into this maze of vocals and harmonies, trapping you in its web and not wishing to let you go. But with the wandering strut of the synths, you don’t want to let go.
The Party is a superb EP from Broken Dreams Club. It’s a party I’ll never forget, and while it’s not one full of traditionally party vibes, it’s one I’ll be raving about to others. Every song hits you in some form, even the brief ‘Finished’ that arrives as quick as it leaves. Closing song ‘Zombie Man’ is a superb way to close things off, and I’m so pleased to have discovered Broken Dreams Club as a new favourite artist.