Following the project’s debut last November with the brilliant single and EP “My Cathedral,” a haunting lament about grief and isolation that captivated listeners with its dark, atmospheric sound and hauntingly beautiful vocals, Stare Away is now stirring the waters with the release of their new EP, “I Dream of Nothing,” which is out now.
Hailing now from the ever-alive streets of Brooklyn, NYC, Stare Away, the solo project of musician Ben Nelson, elegantly pirouettes between the anarchic spirit of classic post-punk and the elusive rhythms of electronic music. Its sound, a concoction that’s both a trip down memory lane and a peek into tomorrow, reverberates with the haunted whispers of the late 70s and 80s. Drawing inspiration from the old-school enchantment of artists such as The Sound, Lowlife, The Teardrop Explodes, and The Cure, Stare Away crafts a soundscape that is at once reminiscent and revolutionary. The music is also laced with the playful mischief of artists such as Drab Majesty, Jonathan Bree, and Current Joys — but imagine their LPs played at a faster speed. The result is that Stare Away is a stylish fusion of lo-fi electronics and indie rock that is uniquely its own. It’s like stepping into a musical time machine and arriving in an unexpected yet delightfully intriguing era.
The new EP “I Dream of Nothing” is a bass-driven feast propelled by drum grooves that Nelson conjured up in the intimacy of his bedroom—because why not? Isn’t that the place where dreams are felt, even in their absence? The EP’s dark, atmospheric aura, complemented by its lyrics and inventive rhythms, offers a compelling yet experimental journey through unexplored corridors of the mind. The album’s stark, minimalist soundscape and Nelson’s eerie, echoing vocals create a sense of unease and alienation that lingers like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those who relish a bit of the uncanny with their evening tea.
The album opens with Spinning, a haunting tune that hums a melody of hopelessness, not in a dreary, nihilistic way, but more like a gentle reminder of the uphill journey toward emotional recovery. It acknowledges the struggle with a wry smile and a wink, as if to say, “We’ve all been there, haven’t we?”
I Dream of Nothing grapples with the somber reflections of their choices. It’s a poignant exploration of experience—not just as a fleeting moment, but as a complex, ever-evolving entity that shapes and reshapes our understanding of joy and fulfillment. Conversely, One More Time delivers a lively, jangly beat that cleverly disguises its pleading lyrics, subtly asking for a few precious moments of clarity. It’s like dancing in the rain while secretly wishing for a glimpse of sunshine.
Listen to and order the album below, or click here.
I Dream of Nothing by Stare Away
I Dream Of Nothing was produced, mixed, and mastered by Mike Morello.
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