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Autopilot

Desert Dreams

Review by Gary Hill

The mix of sounds on this set touches on a lot of things I like at different points. There are points where they move into space rock. The Cure and Jane’s Addiction are references at times. Overall, this is alternative rock, but there is quite a range within that description as depicted here. Whatever you call it, though, this is good stuff.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Desert Dreams

Alternative rock and space rock seem to merge here. This song has great waves of space over the top of it. It has a good pace and is memorable on the first spin. This definitely has a lot in common with a lot of modern progressive rock. Comparisons to Radiohead wouldn’t be out of the question, but there are definitely elements of Hawkwind in this.

Oceanside
Although this still has a lot of that Radiohead sound, it’s a different cut. In many ways, it makes me think of The Cure. It has a real soaring element to it, particularly later.
This City
A little more in the straight alternative rock vein, this number again reminds me of the Cure in some ways.
Battles
A little more reflective, this one definitely calls to mind Radiohead and modern progressive rock. I love the dreamy element of the piece. There is almost a rockabilly element here, too.
Crossing Borderlines
A slow cut, this one seems to combine the familiar Cure and Radiohead thing with some bits of Jane’s Addiction to my ear. While modern in tone and style, there are hints of classic older music here, too.
Tuesday Afternoon Processions
Although I still hear some of those Jane’s Addiction hints, this piece lands pretty well in The Cure camp. It’s another strong cut. It shows how these guys are adept at changing their sound enough from track to track to keep it interesting, but still manage to weave a cohesive tapestry with their songs.
Desert Dreams, Pt. II
This instrumental brings us back into spacey territory. It lands near shoegaze, really.
  
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