A suavely melodic rock charm persists throughout Dreams of the Byzantines, the memorable new album from Darren Sullivan. Psych-friendly twangy guitar drives and steady rhythm sections complement an introspective vocal charm, exuding positivity and hope for those undergoing personal tumult. “I tried to write tracks that were uplifting, but also contemplative,” says Sullivan, who recorded the album in his home studio. The release marks an expansion in overall sound, bolstered by the addition of a Les Paul guitar, new Schure drum microphones, and Sullivan’s honing his bass playing over the past year.
Highlights are numerous within. Opening track “Bloom” initially traverses on hypnotic bass and lush vocal layers, meditative in its references to redemption and “through the rain” sense of perseverance — pushing forth with crisp, magnetic guitars thereafter as the vocals pine to “make sense of this, you and me.” The album’s title track is another fantastic piece of songwriting, channeling a hazy dream-pop allure in its twinkling guitar work and nocturnal-friendly soundscape. From the empowering, soaring rock appeal of “My Own Direction” to the title track’s dreamy intrigue, Dreams of the Byzantines compels from start to finish.
Dreams of the Byzantines marks another standout release from Darren Sullivan, who also caught our ears in January with the album Bougainvillea.
