Album Review: Dream Talk by Still Corners

By Ashlee Harcar

Local Music Journalist

As Austin Psych Fest approaches, many central Texans anticipate the ripple of notes and ethereal soundscape of indie music. Amidst this celebratory landscape, there lies a gem to be discovered; Still Corners’ latest album, Dream Talk. The enchanting essence of Dream Talk guides listeners through a journey of introspection and love, lyrically choreographing the intricate dance of life’s highs and lows.

With the angelic sound of vocalist, Tessa Murray’s, voice and astounding collaborative production with Greg Hughes, Dream Talk begins with “Today is the Day,” a gentle yet urgent call to seize the present moment. It’s a call to mindfulness, to cherish every breath, every sensation, and every fleeting second. Their music video captures the simplicity and profound beauty of a forest walk, serving as a poignant reminder to embrace the now.

When experiencing the tracks “The Dream” and “Turquoise Moon,” listeners are evoked with the sensation of encountering a long-lost lover in a dream and enveloped in a bittersweet haze of nostalgia and love. In “Turquoise Moon,” the stripped-down arrangement and touching lyrics create a dreamlike atmosphere where fantasy and reality collide. “The Dream” inspires visions of longing and life that feel too perfect to be real in its beauty and intensity. Together, these songs create a dreamscape where love and desire intertwine, leaving a lingering sense of bittersweet bliss.

In the song “Faded Love” we plunge into the depths of sorrow, its melancholic lyricism and upbeat instrumentality echoing the pain of separation. Here, we grapple with denial, yearning, and clinging to fading memories. As the album progresses, “Lose More Slowly” emerges as a beacon of acceptance, its uplifting rhythm carrying us toward healing. In this track, we find solace in releasing what was and embracing the freedom of moving forward. “Lose More Slowly” and “The Ship” confront listeners with navigation through tangled webs of emotions. From fear to hope, both melodies beautifully encapsulate the uncharted emotional territories of life’s numerous detours.

With Dream Talk, Still Corners invokes a rollercoaster of emotions, weaving together themes of love, loss, urgency, and tranquility. Murray says, “Every night I would write down the dreams I could remember… What I thought were sort of ramblings ended up surprising us with their various meanings and imagery.” This revelation, alongside the contrast of emotions between tracks, emphasizes the complexity of the human experience. Dream Talk reminds us that simplicity and depth can coexist, reflecting the multifaceted nature of life itself. It is an alluring attribution to Still Corners’ discography, a must-listen for indie enthusiasts, and a must-see for Austin Psych Fest attendees. Indulging in this album I felt healing, nostalgic and reminiscent. When one can’t help but feel solitary in their own emotions, this album serves as a reminder of the human experience as a collective.