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Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders

Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders share the ‘Cosmic Fear’ in their latest single

It is easy to lament existing in this particular fragment of the space-time continuum. But at no other point in our history would we get to celebrate endearing alt-indie artists, such as Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders, and their tracks on apocalyptic optimism.

Cosmic Fear was written after a mental breakdown that left Wakeman overwhelmed by the magnitude of the sky. After the fear subsided, Wakeman was left adrift with existential confusion before he understood that it is ok to leave some things as a mystery. As meaning-makers, it’s hard to know where to draw the line and when to leave our curiosity behind; Cosmic Fear stunningly navigates the epiphany in true 80s synth-pop meets classic rock fashion.

If you like your existentialism sunny side up, the spacey indie pop rock earworm should be considered a playlist staple.

The official video to Cosmic Fear is available to stream via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders have cosmically revived 80s pop with ‘Visions’.

Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders

Glasgow-based alt-rock artist Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders are set to release their 80s-inspired track, Visions, which starts with growling post-punk basslines around glassy synths before evolving into a sonic mash-up of psych, synth pop and indie.

The kooky, hooky choruses pull you into an atmospheric soundscape that practically imparts neon strip light synaesthesia as the up-vibe grooves bring the energy and Wakeman’s vocals spill Bowie-level magnetism.

On the basis of Visions, Wakeman was discernibly influenced by the iconic Manchester sound after he relocated from Doncaster and worked as a bassist for members of New Order and the Fall. In 2020, he relocated to Glasgow and started to assemble an outfit that allowed collaborative chemistry to spill to the tune of his signature ‘apocalyptic optimism’.

Visions will be available to stream from August 27th; you can check it out for yourselves on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast