Imaginary Airship, Where Dreams Take Flight, CD Review

 Ever experience a string of dreams that were beautiful, strange, and unnerving all at the same time? If you tried to put these dreams into words, you probably couldn't. However, if you listen to Imaginary Airship's latest release, Where Dreams Take Flight, you'll find that they've captured that strange collection of dreams in a way that Freud would even appreciate.

Where Dreams Take Flight is a unique, unpredictable, and often wonderfully mystical collection of songs. The songwriting is strong, and is nearly (but pleasantly) overshadowed by the stellar instrumental production. The musical effects, ambient delays, layered keyboards, strings, and other weird sounds lay a wonderful canvas for the band's tunes.

The title track of this CD gives a great example of the unpredictability to come with this collection. Its ambience leaves you peaceful, relaxed and mellow. However, just as our dreams can quickly change emotional direction, so does this song. One minute the music is mellow, and then suddenly the band kicks in with a rock 'n roll overdrive that makes you wonder what's happening within the dreamer's mind. This formula is also repeated on a few other tunes on the disc, but not so much that it takes away from the consistency of the album.

The highlight of this collection is definitely, "Bright New Day." It's the most satellite radio-friendly of the songs on this disc, and I mean that with all the compliments in the world. It has great chord changes, strong lyrics, and a great hook. I also dig the instrumental break in the middle of the song. They could have jammed this part out for hours but instead tastefully made it just the right length. After the solo, they strongly came back with the final chorus, creating a great song that is both commercially viable and artistically satisfying. 

There are also several nice instrumental-only tunes spread throughout this 10-song collection. They are trippy and peaceful, and make for nice transitions between the other lyrically based creations.

My only criticism of this wonderful album is the song, "Kaleidoscope Nightmare." The second half of the song is mostly played in reverse and is a bit tough to listen to. I appreciate the artistic approach, but I felt it took away from the consistently beautiful ride that I was on.

Dreams are unpredictable journeys, and the Imaginary Airship band takes advantage of this fact with their strange and wonderful release, Where Dreams Take Flight. I really enjoyed reviewing this album, and recommend that you check it out.

Artist Website: www.myspace.com/imaginaryairship

Review By: ListenersGeneration.com