After two exquisitely crafted single releases in ‘Night Drive’ and ‘Day by Day’, Preston’s White Flowers return with their new EP Within a Dream. Recorded at home and in the studio back in 2020 during the various lockdowns the songs on the EP explore themes of isolation, dissociation and self-reflection in this troubling time.
White Flowers is made up of Katie Drew and Joey Cobb who together weave the most wonderful soundscapes blending post-punk, goth, dreampop and shoegaze in their own unique way.
The EP kicks off with the title track. It slowly appears, as if from the dark, with Katy’s whispered vocal over a cascading synth. An ominous bassline looms large until the chorus blooms with the most joyous melody. It’s a surefooted opening and retains the White Flowers aesthetic from their previous releases.
‘Blue May’ follows, a more chilled affair. Laid back vocals and reverb-soaked guitar. It has all the intent of a 1950’s ballad couched in the most modern of delivery and production. The swirling outro is pleasantly discombobulating and a great way to finish the song.
Over on Side B we find ‘You Caught Me’ a dynamic and enthralling mix of goth and dreampop. The balance struck between the dark bass and synth parts against Katy’s beautiful voice and the glistening guitar is spot on.
After the three originals which explore the outer edges of post-punk, dreampop and shoegaze in increasingly alien ways comes a beguiling cover version of Mama Cass’s ‘Didn’t Want to Have to Do It’. As with their version of Red House Painters’ ‘Katy Song’ from the Day-by-Day single it provides another example of how defined White Flowers’ aesthetic has become, as they’re effortlessly able to shape the music of others to their own vision.
This gorgeous four song collection is out now via Tough Love. Alongside digital formats, it will be pressed to 12″ transparent vinyl in an edition of 300 which you can order via their Bandcamp page, Tough Love or a selection of indie retailers.
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