Ålexander's Ålbums: A Camp Counselor Review of "Inside a Dream," the new studio album from The Werks

Inside a Dream, which was released on November 20th, genre benders and Summer Camp vets The Werks take listeners on a track-by-track musical voyage through the heart of a dream; into their own hopes, fears, and aspirations. The seasoned jam-centric quartet brings a sonically superior mix of otherworldly explorations and revelatory lyrics to this artistic and mature musical statement. The journey begins with a quest for “The Answer” to life’s most tantalizing questions. To decide ‘what is right’ requires introspection, expressed through passionate lyricism and emotional guitar work.  After this dive inward, the group brings the funk with the auspicious track “Drop.” Light, bright, and full of bumping bass, “Drop” is brimming with the endless possibilities of what lays ahead. Free feelings of fantasy turn more frantic and fearful through the tension and release of “Opus 66”; a modern progressive retake of a Chopin classical piano piece.  Then the warming scene of acoustic piano and B3 organs back the enthusiastic track “For You,” a spirited ode to those who move us most in life. “Give or Take” is the album’s surprise – lessons of life unfold over a poignant and spacious backdrop, unexpected from a band that jams. There’s a polished simplicity here, and crossover appeal suitable for today’s most ardent indie music fans.  The urgent-sounding prog-rocker “Find Your Way” pleas that the listener follow their dreams along the individual path that only they can chart and walk. As the title track suggests, there’s no time like the present to look “Inside A Dream” at one’s own ambitions and act on them before it’s too late. The importance of this realization is expressed on this total group effort featuring funky interplay between the whole band, including harmonious vocals, edgy synths and guitar licks that radiate the soul with a pure classic rock styling. With the rollicking and raw rocker “Alive” the quartet captures the joy of being in the moment, pushing through doubt, and living to the fullest.  It’s not always easy though; reflecting on personal insecurities and feelings of isolation in the track “Not Alone,” the narrator ensures that trials are part of the shared human experience that gives existence richness, complexity, connection, and meaning. The exploratory build and release of “Transformational” awakens the protagonist from revelry – assured that their own continual evolution is a necessary, normal, and beautiful part of being human. “Waiting Room” closes Inside a Dream with soft harmonies and sweet melodies played along the journey back to the subconscious mind.  Perhaps the most “quintessential” Werks piece, this dynamic odyssey hits a mystical frenzy before gently receding into the familiar sound of a morning alarm, and the beginning of the new day. With this refined collection of songs, The Werks capture the full spectrum of the dream state itself.  Through sanguine compositions that effortlessly transition from spacious soundscapes to driving rhythms, the album merges multiple genres in a style that only this Ohio quartet can deliver. Throughout the 11-track release, Inside a Dream remains raw yet polished, and emotional yet whimsical… it is within these contradictions where the depth of the band truly shines.   Tickets are on sale now for their national tour with fellow Summer Camp artist, Twiddle, aptly named the “TWERK TOUR”. For more information about the Werks and their upcoming tour check out TheWerksMusic.com, or to listen to the complete album for free via Bandcamp. ]]>