The Small Breed - Remember a Dream (2021) Hi-Res

Dutch band The Small Breed marry elements of sunshine pop with 1960s British pop psychedelia on Remember a Dream. Opening cut and title tack “Remember a Dream” conjures up a scene like the Turtles jamming with the Moody Blues. “Picturesque Pictures” carries this forward, leaning on flute and haunting harmony vocals. Other tracks are bit more straight up sixties poppy, like “She’s So Lovely.” “To Another Land” even sounds like a bit of Merseyside has slipped into the psychedelic mix. “Wanda Your Angel” reminds me of the kind of retro workout Andy Partridge excelled at. But the album stand-out track is undoubtedly “Mirror Man” with its knock-out chorus. This one is more in should-be hit single territory and less anchored to the broader sixties influences that define the rest of the record. Working the party side of the sixties street The Jack Cades evoke a sweaty underground club vibe on Something New. You can definitely put on your dancing shoes for the band’s electric remake of the Velvet’s “Temptation Inside Your Heart” and the rollicking “Tommy” and “Candy Cane.” There’s a garage rock feel to what’s going on here but it’s just a feeling because the band can clearly play some pretty smooth, sophisticated material too. “Chasing You” and “Angelica” are wonderfully evocative, atmospheric sixties psych pop. Title track “Something New” is something special too. The lead guitar work is captivating while the vocal is pure Lou Reed cool.