ALBUM: H1987 - 'Dreamlike' - GigslutzGigslutz

Mysteriously named electronic artist and producer H1987 has released a new album titled Dreamlike; and it’s an ambient, fluid, ethereal offering from this elusive newcomer. Whilst the record is mainly instrumental, it manages to articulate emotions and states of mind that the most poetic of lyrics would fall short of explaining. It’s a soundscape for anxiety; elysium, distance, euphoria, reassurance – it’s equal parts cold and comforting.

Like a pebble that breaks the surface of a placid lake, each track is a ripple that widens and spreads in to the next. By substituting song titles with roman numerals, H1987 removes any expectations regarding subject matter, leaving listeners room to extrapolate on their mood as volume and tempo fluctuate effortlessly throughout the album.

With only a handful of sampled lyrics and lone vocals offering familiarity in an otherwise unknown listening territory (Ben Howard’s ‘Wolves’ is featured on ‘II’), H1987’s Dreamlike seems to aurally articulate the transition from deep sleep to consciousness; and its transient, introspective qualities are communicated perfectly via synth samples, guitar & keyboard loops, and lo-fi beats, all of which permeate the album.

If film soundtracks or unusual electronic albums are your thing, then allow yourself the luxury of listening to Dreamlike in one sitting to feel its full effect. The record’s magic will echo in your ears long after the tenth track comes to a close, and it’s the ultimate antidote for any stressful or long commute. Put your headphones in, and disappear.