Album Review: A Dream Through Open Eyes by The Strike
Words by Angelina Singer
Photo by Maya Fuhr
While some trends should stay in the past, the glittering synth-pop of the 80s (popularized by greats like Huey Lewis and Journey) is arguably some of the best music ever. So I’m glad to see it’s more than made a comeback – it’s dominating the industry again, as it rightly should. Leading the pack in this genre, alongside other artists (like indie-rock band Smallpools and even mainstream pop sensation 5 Seconds of Summer), is The Strike – an emerging indie-pop band with some impressive connections (like working with producer John Fields, who boasts the Jonas Brothers and Switchfoot as part of his impressive resume). A Dream Through Open Eyes is their third studio album, and with this newest body of work, they’re hoping to keep building on their existing momentum.
After garnering over 52,000 followers and almost 380,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, The Strike is destined for stardom – and A Dream Through Open Eyes might just be starting to come true. Without further ado, let’s take a listen to this album that successfully mixes current trends with the classic 80s pop styles we all know and love.
Opening the album is “American Dream” – an instant synth-pop gem that makes you want to get on your six-speed bicycle and pedal as fast as you can to your friend’s house before the streetlights come on. This song creates an undeniably nostalgic craving for a future that appears unattainable. The lyrics remind the listener to never give up on their dreams, no matter how out of reach they might seem. “If I can’t change your mind / give me your word that you’ll remember this night” is a powerful line encouraging being present minded enough to enjoy every step of the process of artistic advancement.
Next up is “The Getaway” – a much more laid-back track with the same synth-style but more of an emphasis on the vocals than the instrumentation. It’s a song about escapism – the idea that somewhere out there is a better reality than the one you’re currently living. I love the way the chorus opens with an added element of romance and excitement in getting delightfully lost together. The added saxophone solo brings an extra dose of timeless class and elegance.
Then we get to the next few songs – “Just Like Paradise”, “Down”, and “Soundtrack”. The first of these sounds like a Phil Collins outtake, with a nice sonic build into a funk-driven earworm-worthy chorus. It’s sultry, joyful, and poetic all at once. Then “Down” is a slightly different vibe, with more of a chilled-out late-night streetlight beat. It’s romantic and wistful, with a double dose of nostalgic with its energetic chorus. “Remember the lights / hot as the sun in a crowded room” are some great details that set the scene. And “Soundtrack” is a glittering 80s pop anthem and feels like something straight off your favorite sitcom from back in the day. It makes great uses of buzzwords like “prom queen” and daydream, transporting listeners into an alternate reality where “your heartbeat is the soundtrack that I play in my head every day”. Every song on this album has such a positive vibe, and this song is no exception.
“Kids of the Last Days” is more of an excursion into the darker side of the genre, with a little more grit and techno-laced angst. Think more Stranger Things and less Full House – but still with a bright chorus that makes you feel like you can take on the world (or a Demogorgon). Gang vocals add some great harmonic texture to the chorus, with a sprightly lead guitar solo leading into the bridge. It’s a song about holding on to the past and making the best of the future, ready to leap into the next era.
The next few songs leading up toward the end of the album bring some even new thrills to the party, starting with “Heroes of the Heart” – which brings some castle imagery to the forefront. This one more relies on staccato rhythms and a chugging beat to keep things moving. I loved the lead guitar interlude to break things up a little dynamically. Subtle articulations are smartly placed throughout the second verse to add some further dimension to the track. “When all the walls cave in / when we have reached the end / when it all falls apart / we’ll be the heroes of the heart” are clever lyrics that bring this whole thing together.
Photo by Maya Fuhr
“Just Friends” is more stripped-down, starting out with just a distorted rhythm guitar that grows into more textures, making it probably the most Huey-Lewis inspired song on the whole album. As the title implies, it’s about a romantic endeavor that grew from a platonic setting into something more. I love the duality of the line “I’ll be your friend tonight” as the speaker is probably thinking of anything but that. The synth-y keyboard beautifully echoes the vocal melody in the chorus – and it’s delicious.
As we get to the nitty-gritty of this album, “I Wish that You Would” is maybe one of the most dramatic. It’s wistful and romantic, but with an added layer of unrequited desire. It’s got all the same sugary sweetness of the album but with a little more sadness. You won’t be bummed out for too long though because “Reckless” is so much fun and it’ll bring your mood right back up. “I was fine with going nowhere / lost inside of my mind” are the lyrics that drive the message, suggesting that the speaker was encouraged by their love interest’s presence. This song is so energetic and fun, with a faster-paced beat and a carefree attitude.
Finishing up the album is “Reckless” and “Until the Lights Go Out”. As the title of the first song suggests, it’s all about having fun and making the most of your life. The saxophone solo makes a tasteful return, wrapping things up in a neat bow and encouraging listeners to be brave enough to have fun and not take anything too seriously. Then the final song is an emotional piano ballad, promising to “love you until the lights go out” – a beautiful love story with an emotional conclusion. It’s both comforting and heart-breaking, as the listener talks about their heart wearing out but still loving their person no matter how much time they have together. Cue my obsession over that key change between the flaming-hot guitar solos, and that, my friends, is how you end an album.
This album is full of different thematic ideas, but also such a great example of how to rejuvenate an older genre into something totally new that will resonate with a whole new generation. I honestly can’t say enough good things about it. Listen to “A Dream Through Open Eyes” by The Strike for a one-way trip back to the 80s – time machine not included.