Puppets for Poets is an indie rock project based in Southwest Florida, USA inspired by the likes of Crooked Fingers and The National. Led by a mysterious multi-instrumentalist, they’ve just come to my attention thanks to their latest album. It’s called Boat of Dreams.
By Graeme Smith
Boat of Dreams is a cerebral affair, giving us thoughtful rock that reflects on consciousness and non-duality. It starts with Distance. A minimal and melancholic opening gives plenty of space to the expressive vocals before the instrumentals slowly build their presence, arriving at an uncertain conclusion that perfectly tees up the story that is about to unfold.
Garden was Puppets for Poets first single and contains the lyrics after which the act is named. As part of this album it injects some energy while staying brooding. A lush and heart-rendering chorus provides an early highlight. Current single California follows, giving us some jangly instrumentation and passionate vocals. The imagery in its lyrics paint a beautiful picture. It’s another highlight.
Electric Theatre brings with it some echoing notes and sense of wistfulness. Miss You strips things back with a bluesy and soulful moment before title track Boat of Dreams provides a slow-burning effort that has philosophical lyrics and some lingering crescendos.
Time is a delicate moment of suspended animation before Interstellar Baby livens thing with some swaggering psychedelic rock. Distorted vocals give it a cosmic quality. Why Why Why softens things a little with some dreamy, questioning indie pop. Better Place delivers some smouldering, hopeful country blues before Lost Again closes the album with a powerful, cathartic story. It’s a final highlight.
Though I’m just coming to Puppets for Poets now, I can tell they’re onto something special with their music. This collection gives a refreshing mix of styles, all gelled together with an emotional journey that has highs and lows. Its retro and modern elements make it feel timeless.
You can check out Boat of Dreams below.
