Dog Park - “upstate”
From Sweden, Dog Park have just released the gorgeously dreamy and mellow “upstate.” Full of introspective tones and hazy melodies, this shoegaze / dream-pop song packs a punch.
The song begins with electric guitar that washes a pulsing, hypnotic rhythm over the arrangement. The tones are warm, yet provide a moody and subdued atmosphere. These melancholic tones are enhanced by the bass as the song gently pushes forward.
The reflective atmosphere gains textures and builds in dynamic intensity slowly, with lead guitar and a steady drum groove being added next. Sparkling acoustic guitar chords enter to contrast satisfyingly with the moody textures. The acoustic guitar almost feels like the sun shining onto stormy clouds.
The growing intensity of “upstate“ reaches its climax just before we meet the midpoint of the song. The drums begin to pulse relentlessly as an intense shoegaze soundscape is created by fizzing electric guitar. Lead guitar dances over this section with dreamy, reverberated licks.
“upstate” reflectively returns back to the main groove as the resounding tones gently fade. The kick drum keeps pulsing and as the vocal ends, a lead guitar guides us into a dream state. The reverb increases and tones start to melt into the distance. This section of the song reminds me of the shoegaze tones of The Verve during their album A Storm In Heaven.
The vocal performance is full of wonderfully gentle and unique tones. The nuanced delivery perfectly matches the song’s introspective and dreamy sounds, as well as the lyrics, which revolve around fantasizing and wanting to escape, playing on imagery and feelings.