Dummy’s debut album, Mandatory Enjoyment, released in 2021, made an immediate impression. With a name like that, how could it not? Their unique blend of psychedelic textures and ambient tones captivated listeners, earning them support slots with notable bands like Spirit of the Beehive and Snail Mail. The LA-based quartet returns with Free Energy, their highly anticipated sophomore release, arriving this September on Trouble in Mind Records.
The band consists of Emma Maatman (vocals, synths, organ), Alex Ewell (drums, synths, bass), Nathan O’Dell (vocals, guitar, organ), and Joe Trainor (guitar, bass, synths)—both O’Dell and Trainor having previously played in the punky dream-pop outfit Wildhoney. Together, Dummy’s sound blends various influences and genres. Though they’re often labelled as “shoegaze,” the band never adheres too strictly to one style, instead injecting their music with an infectious playfulness and creative spirit.
Their latest single, “Nullspace,” exemplifies this with its danceable groove and quirky, off-kilter sounds. Similarly, Free Energy showcases their ability to experiment while remaining accessible. Take “Opaline Bubbletear,” which opens the album with dreamy, spaced-out vibes before transitioning into “Blue Dada”—a trippy, pop-infused track that feels like a nostalgic nod to ’90s alt-rock bands like The Breeders and Stereolab.
That Breeders influence is especially evident on “Soonish,” where Maatman’s vocals echo Kim Deal’s distinct style, punctuated by raw, crunchy guitar riffs. The track’s electric guitar lines drive it forward, weaving through the mix before taking command in its closing moments. Meanwhile, “Unshaped Road” dives deeper into Dummy’s psychedelic sensibilities, blending swirling electronica with absorbing, kaleidoscopic guitar textures. It’s a masterclass in balancing vintage influences with modern experimentalism.
Another standout, “Sudden Flutes,” shakes things up with its frantic layers of noise paired with introspective, pensive flute melodies, offering a dynamic shift in tone and pacing.
With Free Energy, Dummy doubles down on their sonic exploration, crafting a record that rewards repeated listens. Each track unveils new layers, inviting the listener into a diverse and immersive world of sound. It’s a follow-up that not only lives up to the promise of their debut but solidifies Dummy as a band unafraid to push the boundaries of their genre. It is a captivating journey from start to finish.
Analogies to Stereolab and The Breeders are warranted, as are hints of fuzzed-out Yo La Tengo, the jangliness of The Feelies, and even early British shoegaze (MBV, Seefeel, …). It all whips together wonderfully and has quickly become one of my favorite albums of 2024. A rating of 4.0 – 4.5 is well deserved here.