These Times, the Dream Syndicate’s second proper album since reforming in 2012, is a trippy album that draws its water from deep well of the rock and roll archives.
For those who don’t already know, The Dream Syndicate are alternative rock legends who first led the neo-psychedelic colored Paisley Underground scene of the 1980s. For those who do already know, it won’t come as a surprise that the band remains inspired by legends like The Velvet Underground and Gun Club, whose echoes are just as palpable on this record, as is the charismatic voice of bandleader Steve Wynn.
And while Dream Syndicate synthesizes threads from other great artists, their work is never second rate. Lead single “Black Light” is a dark little gem with a heavy and beautiful Lou Reed vibe in the best Dream Syndicate way. “Put Some Miles On” almost sounds like a song that Tom Petty tune if he’d been eating some magic mushrooms.
The Dream Syndicate will always be, in my opinion, a band that embraces the very best of old rock classics and keeps them alive in their own dreamy way.
Score: 🌙🌙🌙🌙/5
