Album Review
Puppets for Poets – ‘Boat of Dreams’ [Album Review]
The best songs on ‘Boat of Dreams’ are the moments where Puppets for Poets’ expressiveness flashes through, i.e., “Distance” and “California.”
Boat of Dreams, the new album from Puppets for Poets, features 11 tracks of retro-flavored music marinated in a sauce of indie-rock salted with hints of pop and country.
The name – Puppets for Poets – was born from the lyrics of the artist’s first single, “Garden.” “Yeah, we were puppets for poets / Every step of our lives / Just a sad reprise.”
Puppets for Poets is more than just a band; it’s an indie rock concept where all instruments are played by a mysterious multi-instrumentalist. The endeavor and musical direction were fanned to life by producer friend Rich Jacques. Rich, recognizing the potential in this unique project, encouraged Puppets for Poets to expand their sound by stripping it of certain elements, allowing more space for the melody to express itself.
The album begins with “Distance,” opening on a drifting, sad acoustic guitar topped by gentle vocals that range from low and trembling to a high falsetto. A flickering rhythm gives the tune a sensation of poignant wonder.
Entry points include “California,” a jangly-textured tune conjuring up memories of Poco with its SoCal soft country-rock flow. Puppets for Poets’ vocals imbue the lyrics with tints of nostalgia and affection. A personal favorite because of its gleaming, dreamy savors, “Electric Theatre” provides listeners with the warm, wonderful feeling of gazing up at the night sky.
Puppets for Poets, photo by Brett Billman
“Interstellar Baby” is an immediate departure from the previous tracks, traveling on strident guitars riding a potent rhythm. There’s a definite psychedelic ambiance about the song, reminiscent of the late ’60s.
Bluesy, snarling guitars infuse “Better Place” with raw, oozing tones as Puppets for Poets’ vocals recall the Southern drawl of Tom Petty. A dissonant guitar solo gives the song a visceral, abrasive edge that’s properly effectual.
The best songs on Boat of Dreams are found in the moments where Puppets for Poets’ expressiveness flashes through, including “Distance” and “California.”
Boat of Dreams Track Listing:
1. Distance
2. Garden
3. California
4. Electric Theatre
5. Miss You
6. Boat of Dreams
7. Time
8. Interstellar Baby
9. Why Why Why
10. Better Place
11. Lost Again
Run Time: 41:12
Release Date: December 1, 2023
Record Label: Independent
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