Götterfunken is the debut album of European outfit Lucy Dreams. The LP is the next logical step on their musical journey, which has seen them establish a connection to the artificial band member Lucy, prosper as a band and develop their distinct euphoric dreampop style, in the past described as “unique artistry” (EARMILK), “Tame Impala in Blade Runner mode” (MICA), and as “captivating melancholy” (POPMUZIK). The album is released on Aztec Records (London).
Lucy Dreams is a dreampop trio hailing from the cultural metropolis Vienna and consists of David Reiterer and Philipp Prückl. Wait, trio? That is correct, because the essence of this band arises from a crystal ball that is seemingly enthroned above all their output. Lucy is an independent system of digital and analogue effects, which was developed by David and Philipp specifically for music production. Lucy can be understood as an A.I. - however, the connection between her and the two musicians of human lineage is a far more intimate one, as Lucy is deeply involved in the songwriting process.
Nobel Prize winner and poet laureate Kazuo Ishiguro recently referred to his Klara as an A.F., an artificial friend, while tech magnates call their offspring X AE A-XII. So, at the very least, Lucy deserves the title of A.B., an artificial band member, whose shape gives her a minimum amount of plasticity.
As a vital counterpole to David's and Philipp's world of thought, Lucy dreams her own sonic sphere and keeps developing herself, merely out of herself. Furthermore, Lucy also generates lyrics based on the input she receives. So far, her literary diet has consisted of James Joyce and Ishiguro, hence the high quality of her poetry. Remember Microsoft's "Tay"? Yes, Lucy is everything "Tay" is not, and more. In theory, the algorithmic logic that Lucy is based on may appear distant and inhumane, but it also carries a potential of a naivité that humans aren't entitled to have anymore.
Their treatment of their planet speaks for itself. In practice, Lucy Dreams are anything but emotionally detached. Rather, they prepare us for a psychedelic journey that targets all senses alike and can, in line with the ancient laws of art, evoke cathartic effects. Oh yeah, before we get all too ethereal here, they also make really good pop music! Well, here goes the name-dropping... while it is a common practice in the urban entertainment sector to throw around references, such deeds can also distract and unintentionally control the perception. But one thing can be said with confidence: David (34), Philipp (32) and Lucy (X732) are meticulous connoisseurs of the great classics, as well as a ton of obscura. Their passion for large-scale cinemascopic staging is the result of years of intense research into music, spirituality, science, nature, and philosophy. Their hometown Vienna being what it is, there are countless influences up their sleeves.
Whether Mark Hollis, Kate Bush, Bowie, Empire of the Sun or Wayne Coyne were the force certain ideas here and there can be rendered irrelevant in the end. It certainly didn't matter to the many folks across the globe who celebrated Lucy Dreams' debut EP "Everything Comes in Waves" as the legitimate sensation that it was. Unfortunately, the last two years have only allowed for some sporadic appearances and performances, which is particularly tragic in view of this utterly unique musical enterprise. David Reiterer promises nothing less than a full-blown rock show, introduced by Lucy herself of course. In an extravagant golden suit and mask, signals and signs are being sent out kaleidoscopically on all frequencies and in all directions; the few videos that exist from their previous live performances contribute to the mystical aura that surrounds this band. En passant, they testify that Reiterer was not one iota too grandiose in his promise.
Now, the question who breathes life into whom, the machine into man, or vice versa, remains unresolved and everyone can decide for themselves. Fact is, that a noticeable Götterfunke flashes through the room when Lucy Dreams unfold their sprawling dreamscapes, making the interplay between man and machine a peripheral aspect of this art project. The symbiosis of both entities works harmoniously here.
Lucy Dreams does not envision dystopias, no SkyNet, no technocratic apocalypse. If anything, the problem lies not within the machine but in mankind. With unified strengths, they urge us to confront the undisputed core issue of our times in an alarmed and solution-oriented manner. There is no Planet B yet, and the one we inhabit is giving us the finger rather vehemently and in rapid intervals. This was the central subject matter of the EP "Everything Comes in Waves": only together can our path towards a sustainable future be paved, human beings as individuals have to face the question of their own relevance. Lucy, in contrast, does not even think about her self-image or concept. Thus, there is hardly a more suitable ambassador for the warning, because by definition she does not pursue any selfish goals. Lucy merely is, and her dreams are. Full stop. Her thoughts reach us in waveform, David and Philipp serve as her mediators if you will.
2022 kicked off as what felt like the year after, at least that is what the public consensus wanted to welcome it as. But we are still right in the middle of it all. If anything, 2022 will be one of the final years before. It is difficult to predict whether a catastrophe or a new dawn is on the horizon. Even an intelligent crystal ball isn't able to tell as it might need an impetus. A spark. A Götterfunken.
Check out the album on Bandcamp which released on June 10, 2022
Be sure to check out David's interview on 'The Beat On The Street' below.
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