New album of psychedelic folk-rock from Stellan Wahlström Drift Band
Stellan Wahlström Drift Band is back with their new and fifth album As real as in a dream which will be released September 16th.
This is Stellan Wahlström Drift Band on top of their game, all together in the studio recorded straight on to tape, with the added spice of English horn, Fender Rhodes electric piano and Mellotron.
Ranging from glam rock piano ballads, via psychedelic folk rock, to the guitar overload of the opening track and first single Into the light. That one was followed by the pulsating Through the alleys, across the squares and now the title track as the third single.
The poetic, cinematic lyrics echo an era when more time was spent staying in and being inspired by mythical cities around the globe. We’re taken to Tangier, Venice, the backstreets of Wahlström’s hometown Stockholm, as well as a return to New York. These places are still just the setting for the exploration of themes like loss, anticipation and waiting.
Stellan Wahlström was formerly in the garage rock band The Wylde Mammoths, releasing records on the legendary US label Crypt Records and touring Europe and the US. His first album Time leaves you behind was recorded during his time in New York, and the latest album Hotel Continental was followed by gigs there with Billy Ficca (Television) and Jason Victor (Dream Syndicate) joining the band.
As real as in a dream was recorded by Alexander Pierre (Jenny Wilson, Nicole Sabouné) at Örnsbergs Musikstudio in Stockholm, and mixed by Patrick Derivaz (Television, Luna, John Cale) in New York.
Press about previous albums:
“The warmth of Stockholm’s Cobra Studio’s two-inch analogue tape setup shines through on this thoughtful collection. Poetic and crammed with narrative intent, clever lyrics evoke a spirit of international travel long gone. “Waxholm Hotel” and “Already done” are superb examples of this artful storytelling at work. Patrick Derivaz, whose credits include John Cale and Television, renews a longstanding acquaintance with Wahlström, delivering a sensitive mix that compliments some excellent guitar work from Dream Syndicate’s Jason Victor. Subtle, clever, a little morose; this is a fine album.”
//Shindig (UK)
“A very strong band performing some amazing music. Wahlstrom is a songwriter of the Townes Van Zandt/Bob Dylan school – not that his work sounds anything like either of those artists, but he has the same confidence in his storytelling.”
//The Big Takeover (US)
“That’s what I like – his ability to make the listener feel that the lyrics are for real, that what he is singing about is important and that he manages to convey a visual sincerity with his vocal expression. Reminds of Lou Reed’s Berlin album.”
// Zero Magazine (Sweden)
