Kelly Lee Owens – Dreamstate

Kelly Lee Owens’ brand of pop-leaning techno has been gaining her attention since 2017. With her fourth album Dreamstate, the first release on George Daniel of The 1975’s new electronic imprint dh2, the Welsh songwriter, producer and DJ turns to dreaming as her MO, via ten tracks full to the brim with sonic escapism.

It also sees her leaning into her vocals more than her previous three studio albums. Lead single Love You Got, a track about the rush of post-break-up connection, showcases Owens’ artistic flair with her euphoric reverbs fusing with catchy lyrics and pulse-racing beats. Ballad (In the End) offers Celtic-tinged vocal melodies to great effect, while Higher’s mantra-like lyrics embody Dreamstate’s transcendent ethos.

At times though, the album’s dreamy nature lacks the variety and depth exuded on Owens’ previous works like Inner Song. Its reverb-soaked aura may be lovely, but it rarely drifts course. That is with the exception of Time To and Trust and Desire, which bring more colour to proceedings via post-rave introspection and tender vulnerability respectively.

Still, with its positive affirmations, atmospheric sonics and dancefloor-ready moments, Dreamstate succeeds in encouraging listeners to gaze higher.

Listen to: Love You Got, Time To