Books of Moods – Dreams (2023)
Have you ever felt as if you were floating in an ethereal haze when listening to a song; sort of like living in a dream with music leading the way? Well, then, if you have and you loved it you will find Books of Moods a real treat. Hailing from France, this Parisian project is inspired by life in its totality – smells, experiences, landscapes, dreams – and uses all of it to create moving melodies filled with wistful joy. This is my introduction to Books of Moods, so come with me as I jump into the well-received discography.
With a campaign to release one single per month from August 2023 onwards, then an EP in 2024, ‘Dreams’ follows the well-received single ‘They Exist’. A lethargic, melancholy, almost avant-garde flit of alternative pop, ‘They Exist’ is moving but with a creepiness lurking beneath. In contrast, ‘Dreams’ is a more upbeat, toe-tapping, light-hearted melody with hints of David Bowie in the mix. Finding the art-rock meets glam-rock with folk-rock sentibilities, ‘Dreams’ has an obscurity that is both off-kilter and comfortably familiar.
Perfectly named, ‘Dreams’ is a mystical rush of sound sweeping across your face leaving goosebumps on your skin. The soft guitar and smooth drums walk alongside you on that sonic beach staring at the beautiful ocean; however, the song oscillates between light and dark. Soothing instrumentation holds you close in a happy embrace but then a sweep of sound pushes you away – a sort of ebb and flow of sonic currents. The grand thing is that Books of Moods brings you down in a charming chill from one dimension to another.
Not only is the melody a soul-stirring experience but the vocals add to its impact. Hushed and hazy with richness in the silky tones, you feel loved and happy. Yet, while a magical joviality caresses your skin, there is a rugged sense of vulnerability slithering through the tune. Confident but cautious; bold but fragile; rich and strong but delicate and complex, ‘Dreams’ is more than just a lovely tune. It is an intricate exploration of human emotions with heartfelt tenderness clinging to its intense intimacy.
For more from Books of Moods, check out the band’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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