Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news for you: Sydney’s Sally Seltmann is back after four years with her latest solo full length album, Hey Daydreamer and boy, is it a treasure, stuffed full of indie pop gems.
In all honesty (and without sounding too gushy), I have never before listened to an album that has been so aptly titled. Complete with whimsical woodwind riffs, mesmerizing drums, piano melodies and, of course, Seltmann’s gypsy vocals, Hey Daydreamer transports even the most logical and rational listener into a hazy marshmallow fantasy land – but an ironic, tongue in cheek fantasy land.
Kicking off with the title track, Seltmann’s forth solo release consists of eleven tracks of pure, deliciously wicked indie pop. Featuring cheeky and quirky lyrics backed by melodic, almost folk-like instrumentals, Seltmann conveys her both her sharp observational skills and wit throughout the release. Tracks including “Billy”, a heartbreaking ballad to love lost, round out the album, giving it a slightly more pessimistic edge. Thankfully it’s not all doom and gloom, with the driving piano and horns of “Holly Drive” providing jaunty, uplifting respite – that is until you listen closely to the lyrics, but even then Seltmann’s honest portrayal of doubt and darkness is both strangely charming and endearing.
Hey Daydreamer is a perfect album for sunny Sunday morning listening, or on a rainy evening when you feel both optimistic that you could achieve anything yet strangely convinced the sky will come crashing down around you the second you try.
Review Score: 8.5 out of 10.
Hey Daydreamer is released on February 28th.
