Pale Puma – Haunted By Dreams That Were Never My Own (LP Blue Marbled Vinyl)
The evocative, atmospheric, and largely uptempo songs on the record partly recall the indie and shoegaze sounds of the late eighties and early nineties—never a bad thing to listen to, of course. Duijns also drew inspiration from contemporaries like DIIV, Beach Fossils, and Alvvays—bands that conjure up similar moods. The album opener, "Lost in Pink Moon" (featuring backing vocals by Robin Kester), alludes to Nick Drake; Duijns was deeply inspired by an exhibition on the artist he once saw in Breda.
Drake was 26 when he passed away—the very age at which Duijns embarked on a fresh start three years ago. During that period, he began to overcome his depression and realized he wanted to devote himself entirely to Pale Puma. With "Cast A Shadow," the record—after more than ten minutes of atmospheric, organic guitar lines and controlled uptempo rhythms—receives an injection of punchier drums and beautiful, ascending guitar lines; it is a welcome track offering greater depth and dynamics, centering on the importance of believing in oneself and one’s mission.
The acoustic guitar on "Constellation" is also a welcome addition, nicely broadening the soundscape. Pale Puma adopts a slower tempo here as well; the song serves as a lovely, contemplative interlude midway through the album. "Haunted by Dreams" is a quintessential example of the album's style: guitars rich in effects, a spirited tempo, and disarming, somewhat ethereal vocals. On this "title track," the band briefly evokes memories of fellow Dutch act Lola Kite, though that band relied more heavily on keyboards and beats. Pale Puma then offers a pleasant surprise with "The World Below," a song featuring a great groove and an emerging marching rhythm—a track that was also released as a single.
"Velvet Splendour" is fierier and punchier—a song with a bit more bite, which adds real value to the record. Duijns’ vocals are also somewhat more commanding here. Pale Puma brings things to a close with the sweeping, reverberant ‘LMFG’—a lovely final track that places a friendly exclamation mark after the preceding songs. *Haunted By Dreams That Were Never My Own* is a fine, atmospheric late-summer/autumn record that definitely sparks curiosity about what Pale Puma will have in store in the years to come.
Label: Excelsior Recordings – EXCEL96742
Country: Netherlands
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
Sealed