Glasgow-based alternative indie, rock and prog-pop act Jack Wakeman & The Dreamstriders have just hit my radar thanks to the release of their debut EP. Focussing on themes of apocalyptic optimism, impending doom, and tongue-in-cheek sarcasm, it’s called The Twilight Zone.

By Graeme Smith

The Twilight Zone is a collection for those who refuse to take things too seriously, even the serious things. We are presented a unique world view through Jack Wakeman’s writing, presented to us through music that takes inspiration from preceding periods right back to the Middle Ages.

The EP opens with Love: The Twilight Zone. We get Jack and his Dreamstriders’ quirkiness right away with it, but what stands out most is how well-constructed the track is. There’s a timelessness to its composition, which is light and airy with some driving electronica. The icing on the cake, though, is the poetic and storytelling lyrics, delivered with character by the vocals. It’s a belting opening gambit.

Time Thief slows things down with a contemplative ballad. A percussive rhythm is the solid in an otherwise ethereal arrangement and Jack’s vocals take on a soulful quality. Where’s My Place In The World is lingering and reflective, with philosophical and heart-rendering sentiments unfolding over a warm ’70s-esque arrangement. It’s a mid-record highlight.

Morning Light is hazy and sultry, recreating being washed in the sun’s rays at the start of the day. It hits some delicately lush crescendos before Double Vision Hyper Fantasy closes the EP. Cosmic keys juxtapose a more down to earth rock arrangement, perfectly recreating the idea of being of this world but not quite feeling it. It’s another highlight.

I write about a lot of music for this blog but I rarely discover a true innovator. Jack Wakeman is one. He and his Dreamstriders take classic influences and breathes new life into them, and rounds them off with some truly heartfelt and thoughtful lyrics. The Twilight Zone is a genuine wonder, and you can check it out below.