The EP just shoots out of its starting block like 100 meter sprinters do. Holding breath and just sprint to the finish line without thinking. Single 'Moon Buggy' is a party of a psychedelic song that slowly comes together turning into this tight rocker. The drums focus on the floor tom and hi-hat making the rhythm something that just goes on and on forever. (Don't worry, Dreamwave is not only aware of dynamics but knows how to use them successfully as well.). It turns 'Moon Buggy' into a huge musical party. If they are able to play this live successfully, there will not be a lot of people able to resist this invitation to dance and jump around.
'Web Weaver' is just as energetic. At the same time Dreamwave manages to weave a web filled with a dreamy atmosphere into its psychrock. The listener has to pay attention, as the band is going for it, but it is there for certain. The little psych stuff and the sound of the organ take care of it. Don't forget to listen to the bass part played by Grant Organ in the intro, as it really stands out.
'Space Debris' starts as a ballad. Psychedelia is let in a little more obviously, because the driving force of the rhythm is noticeable behind the balladry. American band The Black Angels come to mind, in a lighter version of e.g. its 'Death Song'. But also Small Faces and other 60s psych-pop-rockers. Dreamwave takes us on a trip around the sun at "the speed of light". 'Space Debris' shows another face of the band successfully. We may think we are float ingthrough space, drummer Alex Andrews keeps us on course. He is a strong force for Dreamwave.
When keyboard player Hester Batting starts supporting singer/guitarist Ben Symons on vocals, that is the moment when heaven must be missing an angel. Her voice adds this extra layer of psych to the band, but only because of the way her voice is mixed into this whole. It lends an otherworldly quality to Dreamwave's music. In 2025 I wrote "when I'm hearing Hester Battin sing again, I'm remembered of the only time I fell in love with a girl because of her voice coming though speakers far away at the Parkpop festival in The Hague in 1985 of 86 festival, Lorraine McIntosh of Deacon Blue." Once again, Hester Battin has this effect on me.
Single 'Over You' is another huge psych rock song that ought to attract all lovers of psych rock in spades. Great riffing, great solo, great pulse. You get the picture, right?
The EP ends with a ballad and a rather weird one. Almost jazzy, bare with only an electric guitar and Symons and Battin singing. For the whole time I'm waiting for the band to come in. Does it? You will have to find out for yourself.
With Drifter Dreamwave again put itself on my radar. The band is touring this fall. Let's hope they play not too far from here.
Wout de Natris - van der Borght
You can listen to and order Drifter / Moon Buggy here:
https://dreamwaveoffical.bandcamp.com/album/drifter
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