Dream Nails – You Wish
Dream Nails' third album, You Wish, proves that change can be a good thing, with the risks mostly paying off
Since 2023’s Doom Loop, Dream Nails have changed. After slimming down to a three-piece, they’ve lost a bandmate but gained a new lead vocalist with bassist Mimi Jasson stepping into the role. Consequently, their third album, You Wish, feels different. On The Only Way Is Through, the opening guitar stabs and intensifying drums give way to a laid-back bassline and soothing vocals, rather than bursting into fury, while This Is Water presents an infectious stream of dreamy alternative rock. Organoid brings back that familiar anarchic intensity, with lyrics reflecting on the merciless march of technology, and the delivery flipping between detached acceptance and vicious emotional turmoil.
Modified vocals, notably on the thumping The Spirit Does Not Burn and the brooding Pack My Wax, add more variety, alongside angry, scattergun, melodic punk (House of Bones), the perfect cool driving song (The Information), and an album closer (A Sign) that, time travel permitting, could have been a mainstream hit on 90s radio. You Wish is an album that proves change can be a good thing. Yes, it’s different and experimental, but those risks mostly pay off, and the DNA of Dream Nails, the thing that makes them so special, remains at their core.
Listen to: Organoid, House of Bones, A Sign