“Driveaway” is the freshest audio-visual piece from A Shoreline Dream’s sixth studio album, ‘Loveblind,’ released under the banner of Latenight Weeknight Records.
“The visual concept is based on a lot of what has been happening to people just going about their normal everyday lives, only to be now forcefully expelled from feeling any sense of freedom,” says Ryan Policky. “Now that many are getting back to our pre-pandemic lives, we’re finding ourselves in an entirely new situation. A situation where lines are constantly crossed, art is overly scrutinized, and people are at each others throats trying to separate themselves to try and reset their entire existence. Computers and technology advances are faster than we can control, and our realities are being changed at every moment by a whole new way of living. Some are giving up, some are using it as a way to escape. Others are just moving into a hibernation state. In the video this is entirely the case. A person expelled by an unknown force. Something that is part artificial, and mostly real. A state of dreamy and a state of confusion. We follow along as it all blends together in a place from distant past. A place where we all find ourselves eventually.”
Set against the backdrop of Barnum and Central City, Colorado, Jessica Halpine takes center stage in the hauntingly enigmatic video for “Driveaway.” Crafted under the astute eye of Ryan Policky, who donned the roles of cinematographer, director, and editor, the video is adorned with costumes by Tiffany Smyth (Artsmyths, Inc) and Jessica Halpine.
The dreamlike milieu is jarringly discordant, instilling a sense of fear and confusion – we witness a woman in flight, hounded by spectral presences that never fully reveal themselves. It bears a striking resemblance to those draining nightmares, the kind that leave you wearied before you even rouse from sleep, punctuated by the chilling wails of spectral synths. Its AI elements make it even more surreal, cementing the surreality in the waking world. It’s the perfect metaphor for life after a massive traumatic event…that no one wants to fully acknowledge.
“The video was shot on location in Barnum, Colorado, involving one of my favorite treks up in the mountains – the Central City Graveyard on the far end of town, hidden at the top of a mountain, buried in layers of trees with nonstop exploration. I utilized a bit of machine learning techniques to bring that element of out-of-control computer advancements, while merging in the lore of witches being cast away,” says Policky.
Watch below:
Since its formation in 2005, A Shoreline Dream has seen a dynamic evolution of its lineup. Today, the ensemble orbits around the talents of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryan Policky and guitarist Erik Jeffries. Their musical tapestry has been further enriched by their collaborations with esteemed figures such as Ulrich Schnauss, Mark Kramer, and The Engineers. The band’s noteworthy achievements also include opening for Chapterhouse during their final performance.
The pandemic has taken its toll on our mental well-being and the perception of money and power has blown previous years away. Dying to get back to the good times and moments of pure, unscathed lust, we long for new experiences to sweep us off our feet. ‘Loveblind‘ reaches for that same energy, taking cues from previous A Shoreline Dream works, drawing from their progressive goth roots. Layers of moodiness, blissful explosions of rock and chugging tempo mix with the pain, love, hope and moments of near death experiences while creating the album itself.
This album plunges into a realm of memories and bygone desires, all the while casting its gaze forward through a sonic haze towards an uncertain, yet tantalizing future. Spanning 40 minutes of gothic-infused progressive soundscapes, ‘Loveblind‘ boasts an impressive array of synth layers, the band’s distinctive guitar work, and symphonic vocals. A Shoreline Dream’s sonic style has often been lauded as “melodipsych night music”, a creative fusion of lush sampled textures, expansive wall of sound dynamics, and vocals that layer like a synth – a sound somewhat akin to bands like Cocteau Twins, Porcupine Tree, and Sigur Rós.
The ‘Loveblind’ LP is out now digitally, available everywhere. The band have already started working on new material, and expect to be able to make an announcement about this soon.
Further watching:
Follow A Shoreline Dream:
Or via: