Hunter Sheridan – Life Is A Dream (2020)
While Hunter Sheridan was the frontman and main writer for West Hammock, he has been making a name for himself as an independent artist since their hiatus in 2018. Since then, he has released singles which have been featured on curated playlists and generated a dedicated following. He has now released his debut album Life Is A Dream.
The album flows down an emotionally charged river as each song dives into a place between melancholy and euphoria. The goal of the album is to provide a message of comfort to anyone who is struggling and trying to find their happiness. The connection that we all have with each other is highlighted in this album to bring the comfort of knowing that you are not alone.
The first track on the album is ‘Better Than Yesterday’ which hooks you for the entire album with a guitar opening. Sheridan’s charming vocals are a light touch that makes you smile. The lyrics of the track are easy to fall into and the female vocals on the song offer an amazing harmonisation. There is a lightness to the entire track that makes you feel connected.
‘This Time I Know’ has a slower pace to it and an epic feeling to the lyrics. There is a note of sadness to the lyrics at the start of the song. However, as the track progresses you realise that it is not sadness as much as longing. This song tugs on the heartstrings and has a reflective vibe to it that ends in resolution.
‘That Night’ has a softness to it that is interesting when you listen to the lyrics. There is desperation under the softness that is calling for the conclusion of the feelings laid out in the lyrics. The song has a delicate touch that pushes the emotions of the track in an effective way. The way this song hits you makes it one of my favourite on the album.
‘Fires Fade’ has a little country vibe to it mixed with the folk notes. This is a very stripped back track that highlights Sheridan’s vocals and his control. The simplicity of the melody highlights the emotive capabilities of his vocals as you ride the rise and falls of his performance.
The next track is ‘What You Need’ which hits you with a piano opening that is different from the rest of the album. There is an awesome beat to this track that gives it a more upbeat vibe. This song has a catharsis to it that makes you feel like you can get over just about anything. The lyrics of the track drive the message of connection home and make you realise that you are not alone.
‘Skin & Bones’ takes you back to the acoustic notes with a great folky beat. The vocals on this song are powerful and personable. You get the full effect on them on this track because there is just the vocals and a guitar.
The album ends with the title track ‘Life Is A Dream’. There is a dreamy feel to the start of this track that flows through the entire song. The vocals are a gentle layer over the melody and are uplifting. It is the perfect way to end the album and drive the message of interconnection home while leaving a smile on your face.
Hunter Sheridan helps you float down an emotional river of euphoria and melancholy on Life Is A Dream. Each track on the album hits you with a different emotion but leaves you feeling that things are okay. The album is able to offer comfort while tugging at your emotions.
Find out more about Hunter Sheridan on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
