Dream Of A Man In A Top Hat is an alternative / neo-psychedelic / post-punk duo, consisting of Lee Leffler on guitar and vocals and Michael Frackleton on drums and vocals, who were two thirds of Boston 80’s post-punk band Native Tongue, and Worry is their latest single, released on 15/09/2023.

An experimental mix of alternative rock with post-punk and art rock, these two guys from the US have really made a unique sound for themselves.

With distortion used on the guitar work, the track has a very psychedelic feel to it, and this is added to by the inclusion of synths and electronic bites and sounds throughout the song. The track has quite an off-beat structure, which quite often leaves the listener wondering what direction it is going in next, but this only adds to the charm of the song.

The vocals are somewhat shoegaze in style, quite often blending in with the music behind them, and with a quirky nature to them that is a bit off the wall, the song, as with previous tracks that I have reviewed by this pair, has an eccentricity about it that would really appeal to a lot of people.

These guys are not afraid to experiment with their music and, with a partnership that spans decades, this really show in the music they make.

A great track that has the ability to transport you to another time and dimension, leaving the humdrum of real life behind for just under three and a half minutes!!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Repeat are a newly formed alternative / stoner rock band from Sweden consisting of members Torbjörn Hallberg on guitars and vocals, Johan Holmberg on drums and Matthias Belin on bass, and Repeat is the band’s debut single, released on 08/09/2023.

And what a debut this is!

Kicking off with some distorted feedback, the track soon erupts into a frenzy of stoner, sludge, and grunge rock!

The guitars are heavy, with riffs coming at the listener from all angles, and distortion really gives the track its fuzzy vibe. The drumming is energetic and frantic and the meaty basslines that come through really hold the song together. Musically, this track is a masterpiece. With melodies and hooks that really pull the listener in, this is a really catchy tune, and the listener will be humming this for the rest of the day once hearing it.

Distortion is used once again on the vocals, creating a great atmosphere to the song that is raw and full of angst. With backups vocals in much the same vein there really is a great depth to this track and the energy that is emitted by all the members involved is immense. Repetitive lyrics add to the catchiness of the song and the only gripe I had with the song is that it just wasn’t long enough!

This is a fantastic track that will appeal to a wide range of listeners, from punk rock to alternative rock, stoner rock and hard rock. Be sure to check out the band Repeat and see what you think for yourself!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum