No Sweet Dreams by Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends: Review
From the get-go, with the whimsical whistling and the vivid drum rolls, this band with an uncharacteristically long name, ‘Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends’ can create an engaging and mentally stimulating musical experience in only 3:58 minutes; a stark contrast from their incredibly long band name.
This song brings together elements of power pop, folk, and indie rock, with a strong similarity to 60-70s psychedelic-rock music. The repetition of the phrase ‘no sweet dreams’ creates a sense of dread and understanding. Followed by heartfelt lyrics and sung with an even more intimate, deep voice, the words linger and the haunting instrumental accompaniment makes the song impossible to forget.
The sharply strung guitar chords, the reverberating groovy bass line, and the string choir create an atmosphere of theatrical magnificence. With lyrics as raw and personal like, “She cannot conquer death”, with the subtle indications towards drug abuse, the song is like a sharp burn; the pain and memory lingering for days after it occurs.
Interestingly enough, 10 seconds before the song reaches its inevitable end, all the instruments fade, leaving only the haunting piano melody that starts off the song in the first place. Little musical choices like this and the well-layered harmonies with elongated notes all partake in creating the perfect melancholic tune.
With a well-structured bridge and a slight decline in the pace of the song, the song is never boring for a single second and instead leaves a significant permanent mark on one’s mind.
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Review by: Stevie Davis