Gengahr - A Dream Outside

North London’s Gengahr established themselves with a 2014 breakthrough, gaining traction across the global festival circuit as well as high praise from NME, Huw Stephens, BBC 6music… the list goes on. Understandably, this had lead to fervent anticipation for the band’s debut album. However, A Dream Outside remains indicative of the fresh sound you can expect from a band that has little to lose.  The album opens with the irresistible Dizzy Ghosts – a track designed to draw you right into the indie pop vibe that Gengahr are all about. Whilst this definitely works, I was glad to hear the album take a turn for the darker and vaguely psychedelic with the likes of Dark Star and Embers. The whole feat is really aided by guitarist John Victor’s thrashing guitar solos, which give the pop hooks their necessary edge.  A June release is perfect for this album, which certainly has potential for some woozy summer anthems in its enticingly nostalgic vocals and upbeat instrumentals. This isn’t an album that I could play over and over, as the sound isn’t hugely varied, but it certainly achieves an admirable debut for Gengahr.