Having completely won me over playing live for us supporting Me Rex last year, and now fresh from being utterly brilliant once again playing with Ray Aggs last week, Oxford duo Dream Phone are back with a brand new single. With acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music and BBC Radio Oxford for last year’s eponymous debut EP (which was one of my faves of 2023), Jenny and Hannah have already showcased their ability to create utterly unique glitch-pop soundscapes touching on subjects ranging from social anxiety to Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Reflecting on the fear of going out (rather than the fear of missing out), ‘fogo’ offers a comforting ode to anyone who may not enjoy going out as much as they used to – whether that’s due to age, increased post-pandemic anxiety or simply just relishing being comfy and safe in your own space. Musically perhaps more melodic than previous offerings, this new single loses none of the duo’s vibrant charm and fizzing punk-pop vibes, playfully intertwined with their sugar-sweet augmented vocal harmonies. Of the track, Jenny and Hannah explain:
“‘fogo’ is basically about us not getting as much joy from going out as we used to! What can we say, we’re older and a pandemic changes you. It’s also about the guilt you can feel about seeing your friends less. It’s one of those songs that almost wrote itself – it started with us mucking about on the synth in the rehearsal studio, and coming up with the riff that opens the song. That got stuck in our heads, and everything else came quite naturally from there.“
Delivered with a playful riot grrrl-inspired spirit, ‘fogo’ showcases all there is to love about Dream Phone; listening to its scuzzy layers of shimmering musicality, I feel instantly uplifted by its infectious quirky allure and blissfully danceable energy. And, watching the accompanying video adds even more joy to the experience. Made by Hannah from the band, it quite beautifully highlights the conflicting feelings of wanting to go out but not feeling able to, whilst depicting the simple pleasures of staying in: cats, Green Day, dancing in your dressing gown, what more could you need?
Cementing Dream Phone firmly as one of my most favourite bands, ‘fogo’ is the relatable, euphoric glitch-pop anthem you didn’t know you needed. If you having a bad day, one listen to its swirling cacophony and you’ll feel instantly brighter… And, if you’re having a good day; turn it up loud, put on your dressing gown and dance around your bedroom with your cat.
‘fogo’ will be released on all platforms tomorrow, 1st May, via Divine Schism. Catch Dream Phone live (you must!) on tour with Teenage Sequence throughout May – info here.
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Photo Credit: Agnes Diaconu
Get In Her Ears 
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