Art Beyond Commerce: The Meaning and Influence of ‘Eye Dream’ by Dan Smyth

Today I want to tell you about Dan Smyth, a musician whose new album ‘Eye Dream’ is a true masterpiece of emotions. The sound on the record transfigures: it’s sometimes concentration, sometimes euphoria, mischief, grace, determination, and occasionally fleetingly – a profound fatigue. If music is often seen as a form of liberation and escape from the heavy routine, oppression, and dullness, then Smyth can be the voice of the very concept of freedom. In essence, the new album can be viewed as a kind of artistic object, or if you will, as proof that it’s possible to break free from a system that tries to suppress you. ‘Eye Dream’ represents the freedom of art in its purest form, untouched by commercialism. Smyth’s groundbreaking work establishes a fresh benchmark, emphasizing the transformative power of art as an authentic expression of freedom. This paradigm shift challenges the conventional confines imposed by commercial norms. By daring to break away from these constraints, Smyth redefines the very essence of artistic creation, asserting its autonomy and independence from commercial pressures.

From the very first track, ‘Night Heron,’ the slow intro plunges into a swaying cosmos of boundless sound where the bass guitar becomes the key instrument setting the tone. In the album, keys and bass seem to merge in a dance, transforming the space around the music into an infinite realm of hypnotic sound. In ‘When It’s Real,’ magical keys weave into a stellar tapestry of sounds that scatter within the dense bass, while in ‘The One,’ the melancholic and slow atmosphere is disrupted by an enticing beat, a fast rhythm, and Dan Smyth’s vocals. His voice, like a guide in the universe, submerges amid the electro beat and deep bass. In ‘Eye Dream,’ you’ll encounter precisely that deep and resonant sound of low tones that captivate and linger in the mind for a long time. The soft and warm sound of electronics changes the genre, adding a soft and warm touch to its cold synthetic hue.

In the track ‘Outer Space,’ the hooky and alluring rhythm embeds itself in the consciousness, getting stuck there, while in the dual tracks ‘Eye Dream’ and ‘Eye Dream II,’ the sound undergoes a complete transformation. As if coming face to face with the album’s concept, we encounter a pure experiment with melody, sound, and imagery. I admire how Dan Smyth weaves an entirely new layer of meaning into his sound. Perhaps, Dan Smyth offers a perfectly produced adventure through cosmic expanses, seeking new civilizations with their rituals and ceremonies. Something mysterious and enigmatic is hidden within this album, and immense potential is captured in every note of ‘Eye Dream.’ The track ‘After the Crash’ seems like a hint to what’s unfolding, complementing our journey through Dan Smyth’s dream world. The performance, unique harmonies, and sound of the track make it the strongest piece on the album. Thanks to its rich tones, harmonies, arrangement of instruments, rich vocals with choirs and processing, ‘After the Crash’ becomes the key to understanding the story.

The album concludes with the track ‘Light,’ where bird songs and an upbeat rhythm herald the onset of spring and light, leaving no trace of the melancholic and dark cosmic sound. It’s a rebirth, a new beginning that sets a powerful wave of meaning and influence. It feels like the start of a new story that will undoubtedly continue in Dan Smyth’s upcoming releases. Dan is a composer encapsulated within the guise of a rock star, confidently treading the paths of avant-garde artists, his music is better perceived within the realm of thought. He adeptly creates intricate logical playgrounds, pushing the boundaries of synth, classical, and experimental genres.

In contemplating ‘Eye Dream’ cover, one cannot help but appreciate the profound symbolism embedded within its imagery. Here, a liberated bird soars gracefully through the vast expanse of boundless space, a poignant representation of freedom and autonomy. The solitary flight exudes an air of pride, soaring high above earthly constraints. This visual metaphor adds depth and resonance to the music, allowing it to weave seamlessly into the fabric of one’s memories, creating a lasting and harmonious connection.

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