Review: Dreaming In Stereo “Dreaming In Stereo 2”

Pop rock
Dreaming In Stereo is back with a sophomore effort simply entitled “Dreaming In Stereo 2”. We last heard from this brainchild of the multi-talented singer/songwriter Fernando Perdomo back in 2009 (see review). Ever the busy music man, Perdomo would seem to run the risk of burning out and producing weaker material, but rather I think his hectic schedule and involvement with other musical projects feeds his creativity and ambition.

This sequel to his noteworthy debut record shows important growth, yet stays firmly rooted in keeping the melody the centerpiece. Generally, I enjoyed the front half of the record more than the back half – the first few songs are very radio-friendly and accessible. In contrast, the latter songs are more experimental and the hooks take a back seat. Perdomo still sounds great, with a warm voice halfway between Tom Petty and Jason Falkner. This time out the band also features some tracks with female vocals, “Saturday Song” and “Without You”. They are reasonably performed, but not my preference when I am in the mood for Dreaming In Stereo. “Fill My Sky”, inspired by the Android phone app ‘Google Sky Map’, is the first single – a little mellow, but a gorgeous track that sounds like it could have been a single from Petty’s “Full Moon Fever”. “The Traveler” is another slow burning winner, with a smoldering hook that eases into your senses. The dreamy, atmospheric music fits the lyrics perfectly. Other excellent stand outs include “Enough’s Enough”, “Gonna Sleep Until Tomorrow”, and the tranquil acoustic ballad, “Lullaby”. “Music All Around Me (Dudley Moore's Last Words)” is a sweeping pop rock song with George Harrison-inspired lead work that makes the end of the record worth waiting for.

Check out Dreaming In Stereo if you like The Churchills, Dishwalla, or other melodramatic, progressive pop rock. There are some outstanding finds to treasure on “Dreaming In Stereo 2”. You can also catch the band’s showcase at SXSW 2011 in Austin, TX.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12

Dreaming In Stereo on MySpace.

Check out the video for “Part Of Your Life”

Review: Dreaming In Stereo "Dreaming In Stereo"

Dreaming In Stereo is centered around the multi-talented singer/songwriter Fernando Perdomo. Vocally, Perdomo has quite the dreamy voice with hints of J.R. Richards and Jason Falkner - atmospheric and pleasing to the ears, and exceptionally well suited to his ballads and mid-tempo numbers. After hearing this self-titled debut, I am convinced Dreaming In Stereo has all it takes to make their dreams of pop rock stardom come true.

Perdomo is a master at crafting catchy songs in an artful manner, complete with some atypical instruments now and then to keep things interesting. His pristine vocals just sail over these gorgeous melodies, creating a great mood record that is as intelligent as much as it is fun to listen to. From the jamming "Steal This Song" (his meditation on musical piracy) and the upbeat power pop gems "I'm Not Gonna Move To L.A." and "Decisions, Decisions", to the beautiful balladry in "Lazy" and "Let Me Love You", this CD has it all.

Deep lyrics, credible vocals, and sophisticated music - you get all this and more with Dreaming In Stereo. Some of the most accessible art rock I've ever hard - Dreaming In Stereo may have founded a new musical genre: progressive power pop! Fans of Genesis, Yes, Dishwalla...take note.

iPOD-worthy: 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10

Dreaming In Stereo on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Steal This Song":