Dream Trippers, the debut album by the West Virginia-based duo of Brian Cottrill and Bob Workman, is a unique and introspective journey into the psychedelic sounds of the 60s. Inspired by the music of The Beatles and The Byrds, Cottrill and Workman have created a Compelling collection of songs that showcases their individual talents and their newfound artistic identity.
With Cottrill on vocals, electric sitar, guitars, bass, and keyboards and Workman on drums, percussion, and vocals, the two musicians have combined their creative energies to produce an album that is unlike anything they have ever done before. Arranged and produced by Cottrill and Workman and recorded, written, and mixed by Cottrill, the album is a testament to the duo’s innovative approach to music making. With influences from classic psychedelic rock and existential, introspective lyrics, Dream Trippers is an album that is sure to captivate listeners and leave them dreaming.
The album opens with its namesake track, “Dream Trippers”, a short and groovy prelude that sets the stage for the trippy journey that follows. The song showcases the duo’s psychedelic sound, blending atmospheric guitars with the ethereal twang of the sitar. The demonic-style vocals, with a hint of reverse effect, add an extra layer of mysticism to the track, making it the perfect introduction to the strange and introspective world of Dream Trippers. Overall, the first track is a captivating and trippy start to the album, showcasing the duo’s musical style and setting the tone for the rest of the journey.
“The Original Atom,” is a notable song with its funk-like groove and early 70s feel. The song opens with spoken-word verse, before bursting into singing during the chorus, creating an engaging and dynamic structure. The lyrics are creative and thought-provoking, making this track a standout in terms of lyrical content. The song also features great musical breaks and solos, leaning into the progressive rock style that is sure to please fans of the genre. With its groovy vibe, dynamic structure, and thought-provoking lyrics, “The Original Atom” is a great representation of Dream Trippers’ unique sound.
“Sleeping In A Dream,” is a sitar-filled journey into the subconscious, and yes, just like it is described, it is indeed reminiscent of Dylan’s stream-of-consciousness style. The song takes a slightly different direction from the opening tracks, but fits nicely into the overall vibe of the album. The instrumentation on this track is fantastic, with the sitar taking center stage and creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape. The song’s title invokes the feeling of being asleep in your own dreams, which I have done from time to time in a weird Inception like style. But the song of course has a much deeper meaning than what my first glace at the tittle would suggest. The music perfectly captures this ethereal, dreamlike state.
“Open Your Mind” showcases the exceptional musicianship and creativity of the band. The use of the backwards guitar and sitar creates an atmospheric and mesmerizing soundscape, inviting the listener to let go and allow themselves to be fully absorbed in the music. The song demonstrates the duo’s mastery of their instruments, as they blend various sounds and styles to craft a unique and captivating experience. The song is a true representation of their ability to push the boundaries of conventional music and create something truly different.
“Apple,” is a prime example of the thought-provoking lyrics throughout the album. It’s almost as if, the lyrics encourage listeners to reflect and try to find their own interpretation, making this a dynamic and engaging listen. Though I’m sure it does have a set meaning. The musicianship of the duo shines through on this track, as they experiment with a new sound that, I would say almost has a hint of spaghetti western influence. A really cool song overall.
“What Were You Thinking”, stands out as a highlight on the album. With a strong use of strings and piano, the song creates a memorable and catchy melody. The implementation of these elements adds a different dimension to the album, contributing to the overall diversity of the musical offerings. This is my personal favorite song on the album.
“Fade to Black” is the closing track of the album, an it has a more understated approach compared to the rest of the songs. Instead of relying on heavy psychedelic rock elements, the song focuses on beautiful string arrangements. The songwriting shines on this track, showcasing the band’s ability to craft a touching ballad that still maintains their unique style. At first glance, one might think it’s a cover of a Metallica song, but the song truly stands on its own and showcases the band’s versatility and songwriting talent.
The duos debut album has demonstrated an exceptional blend of psychedelic rock and progressive rock, showcasing the band’s musical creativity. Each track has its own unique personality and style, yet they all come together cohesively to create an atmospheric and thought-provoking experience. From the groovy guitars and sitar, to the funk-like groove of “The Original Atom,” the album takes listeners on a journey through a musical landscape filled with imaginative instrumentation and poetic lyrics. Overall, this album is a triumph in musical composition and creativity, making it a must-listen for fans of psychedelic and progressive rock from this DIY band..