Dreamwave’s journey began in a single bedroom, stretching across two cities, with a modest recording setup that has now, for the first time, made its way onto vinyl. In Brighton, the paths of Dreamwave’s members inevitably intertwined, giving birth to a psychedelic rock ensemble that marries their collective passion for retro graphic design, Bauhaus minimalism, and the sci-fi universe of Warhammer.
The origins of Dreamwave trace back to 2018 in Brighton, where Ben (Guitar/Vocals) and Cam (Bass), both university housemates, spent their evenings crafting songs from Ben’s teenage demos using a basic recording setup in his room—a creative ritual that continues to influence their songwriting. Their journey took a pivotal turn when their friend Hester, now the synth player and vocalist, urged them to form a band for a gig she was organizing at The Bee’s Mouth in Hove. It was at this gig that Alex joined as the drummer, completing the formation of Dreamwave.
The band’s move to Bristol introduced a profound transformation in their sound, transitioning from the dreamy coastal ambiance of Brighton to a more intense, brutalist experience inspired by their new environment. Their music now echoes the eclectic influences of bands like Thee Oh Sees, The Dandy Warhols, Black Angels, and Squid, intertwined with the psychedelic undertones of Frankie and the Witch Fingers and Allah Las, and the dynamic energy of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.
Their new single, Hidden Sun (out now via Velvet Echoes), is perfectly suited for the barren, dusty settings of Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns, yet it carries a dreamlike quality. Inspired by Ennio Morricone’s ethereal synths for Il Mercenario, Dreamwave aimed to craft a composition that exudes a comforting warmth, reminiscent of the soothing, washed-out pastel hues and subtle orange tints found in Leone’s films, akin to the heat from a sun concealed by the desert. Their experience watching Tears For Fears live also profoundly influenced them, leading to experiments with 80s synthesizers and the blending of diverse sounds to explore new musical possibilities.
Watch the video for “Hidden Sun” below:
Listen to Hidden Sun below and preorder The Mind Cave on vinyl here.
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