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Sep 18, 2018 Web Exclusive By Matt the Raven

We Were Promised Jetpacks have released a multi-headed monster of an album for anyone who cares to notice. And if you play this fourth full-length studio album by these Scottish rockers only once, you will certainly take notice. Not because it is familiar, bright, and immediately fetching, but because it is unlike anything you have heard before. With each successive spin, the melodic components permeate through the turbid sonic layers revealing tunes that are exciting and fresh with vibrant instrumental flourishes amid a topical indie rock foundation.

We Were Promised Jetpacks explore the duality of glimmering and catchy guitar leads atop a cavernous and brooding wall of sound that packs a potent punch but with enough clever rhythms and dreamy segments to soften the blow. But what makes this album better than most is the polished songwriting and the sophisticated integration of all these disparate elements.

The tracks never hit you full on all at once, but rather start with somber guitar chords or soft playful leads that slowly build into an echoing and swirling mix. With some deep, resonating beats, the wall of sound is then used as a canvas for the band to add colorful touches of creatively arranged and catchy guitar-centric indie rock. It’s sometimes a roller-coaster of twisting and churning tempos that frequently plunge headlong into a frothy mix of turbulent bass, drums, keyboards, and guitars. But sometimes it’s dreamier, slower, and more melodic, and it’s always done with a tuneful ear and is highly entertaining.

The vocals add an extra dimension and some distinction to the overall sound. While singer/guitarist Adam Thompson’s voice is not necessarily silky smooth, he does have a certain charisma and his impassioned vocals lend an honest emotional connection to the music.

Most tracks are well orchestrated and arranged as some songs slowly build from dreamy intros as others fade out with curious atmospherics. Standout tracks such as “Impossible,” “Hanging In,” “When I Know More,” and “Repeating Patterns” are all worthy mix-tape songs and prove The More I Sleep The Less I Dream is a solid record that intrigues and entertains a little more with each listen. (www.wewerepromisedjetpacks.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10