Appreciation Dream Wife - Social Lubrication (album review) (1 Viewer)

Willow · 10 June 2023

dream-wife-credit-hollie-fernando@1400x1050.jpg

about the group:
Dream Wife is a punk rock trio based in Brighton, England. Their members are Rakel Mjöll, Alice Go and Bella Podpadec.
The group was originally created as a "fake girl group", part of an art school project (when they were at Brighton university).
Around 2016, when they graduated, they moved to London. They write lyrics about social issues such as feminism, body image, gender roles.
...........
I have listened to the new album by English and Icelandic trio called Dream Wife.
Their previous album "So when you gonna..." was released in July 2020.
Its punk rock sounding and its themes caught my attention. That is why I have decided to review the album for you.
We often say that third album is more mature. However, this album is probably the most powerful and angriest they released so far.
It can be compared as a angry wife that leaves the house after a fight. ("laugh")
Prior to the album release, the group revealed a few singles : Leech, Hot (Don't Date a Musician), Orbit and Who do you wanna be? and Social Lubrication.
I can add that Rakel'ls high-pitched voice is recognisable and it is definitely giving an authentic touch to the group.

about the album:
genre: punk rock, riot grrl
release date: 9th June 2023
country: Brighton (England) based, lead vocalist (Icelandic)

tracklist:

1. Kick in the Teeth
The album starts with "Kick in the Teeth". Its heavy riffs and aggressiveness give us a highlight of what is coming next in our musical journey.
The track overall is impactful and dynamic just like the band is, but it lacks of a little something to make it a hit.
A pleasant surprise! We love angry vocals!
Rating: 8/10

2. Who do you wanna be?
Its atmosphere is heavy but not overwhelming. It delivers an important message, I have found the lyrics really interesting (despite not understanding all).
It tells us that a "good girl" doesn't mean a "good person".
Rating: 8/10

3. Hot (Don't date a musician)
My own favourite song of the record. That is where it slides into spicier topics.
It is exploring the topic in a subtle way without being too explicit. I liked how they brought s*xual lust in arts as artists themselves.
Plus, it is way too catchy!
Rating: 9.5/10

4. Social Lubrication
Feminists texts are one of their favourite topics to talk about it seems :D
Not going to talk about the lyrics (I couldn't understand all of them), but the overall impression I had was positive.
I like the contrast between the important social topics they are evoking while singing on songs that we could dance to.
Rating: 8.5/10

5. Mascara
The song gives a brighter view than other songs of the album. I have enjoyed the romantic atmosphere in there.
Proof that the whole album doesn't picture only bad stories, but happy ones as well.
Rating: 9/10

6. Leech
It is my second favourite song for sure. I liked how they made a (kind of?) caricature of our patriarchal society, it is just hilarious somehow.
I won't talk about the lyrics, but the theme around lack of empathy, power status, privileges is interesting and the story is well-made.
I love the part when she is yelling at us : JUST HAVE SOME F**KIN' EMPATHY!!!!! A powerful and badass punk song for sure, it could even become an anthem!
Rating: 9/10

7. I want you
It has catchy riffs once again! Regarding the lyrics, no explanation needed here I think. It talks literally about what the title suggests :D
My only complaint ... IT LASTS LESS THAN TWO MINUTES.
Rating: 8/10

8. Curious
Here we bring a spicy topic again :D
I mean. She talks about s**uality exploration here. "Setting healthy boundaries, being drunk at parties"...
Pretty enjoyable song overall, even if I couldn't get all of its meaning (I would enjoy it more if I was able to understand all what she was saying)
I liked the saying : "I feel too sexy to listen to my friends"
Rating: 8/10

9. Honestly
Sensual and hypnotic track. It follows Mascara in terms of the topic.
Quite enjoyable overall, not overly aggressive. It was more on the quieter side, I won't complain tho.
Rating: 7.5/10

10. Orbit
A typical song of Dream Wife. It reminded me of some tunes featured in the previous album.
I enjoyed the overall atmosphere.
Rating: 8.5/10

overall: I have enjoyed the whole album a lot, but it sometimes feels like the songs were not made to be in the same album.
I mean versatility is a good thing but a few times I felt like they have put random songs together...
All songs taken apart are pretty good though. Maybe they should have made two EPs instead of a full album.
That is only my opinion though. Only time will tell if the album will grow on me later.
overall rating: +8.25/10