Music Review: Dreaming The Impossible by The Loft Club

Dreaming The Impossible is the debut album from Exeter five-piece The Loft Club. Consisting of Daniel Schamroth (guitar/vocals), Jamie Whyte (bass/vocals), Kieran Chalmers (drums), Amy O’Loughlin (vocals) and Sam Piper (lead guitar), the band recently supported Noel Gallagher on tour and have received stunning press coverage for their latest releases.

Daniel Schamroth wrote the first eleven tracks on Dreaming The Impossible, with the last track Flicker being co-written with Lisa Loeb. The album was produced by James Bragg who has wired with Jack Steadman and The Skints.

The first track on the album is its namesake, Dreaming The Impossible here you are introduced to the distinctive vocals of Amy and Daniel. Their vocal tones blend seamlessly and great a sound which is wonderfully pleasant to listen to. However, I’m not entirely sure I like the effect used on Amy’s voice in the second part of the song as it creates the sense of listening to the song in a huge echoey room which personally I am not a fan of.

The lyrics have a confidence that is easily conveyed through the forthcoming vocal tone and the bass exudes a coolness which compliments the jangly guitars.

The second track on Dreaming The Impossible is I’m Just A Man. The track opens with a funky bass which showcases the band’s finesse when it comes to instrumentation composition.

With a sway that is reminiscent of rock and roll in the 1960s, The Loft Club have created a catchy song which listeners can easily clap along with in a live setting. I can already tell that I’m Just A Man will be a huge crowd pleaser when the band are able to perform live again.

Next up there is a more indie inspired track which goes by the name of True Love. Lucious vocal harmonies swim through the track and create a listening experience which is highly pleasant.

The more raw energy which has been seen in previous tracks has become subdued to sit in a four and a half minute pocket of sentimentality and love. Daniels vocals almost seem to contrast this wistful tone and have taken on a more Britpop quality for the slower track. You would have assumed that the vocals would become soft in a song as gentle of this, however, The Loft Club are changing the norm and have created something unique.

Keeping the listener on their toes the next track Baby You’ll Be Fine has switched up the genre of the album and has taken on a country fueled sound. It is clear to see that The Loft Club are a versatile band who have a knack for writing in many genres.

Baby You’ll Be Fine has taken such a turn that you feel like you are listening to an entirely different album. This is not necessarily a bad thing as this is the type of song which is thoroughly enjoyable and you will find yourself subconsciously tapping your foot in time to the beat.

You Are The Sun takes the same approach as its predecessor Baby You’ll Be Fine. the country swing is yet again present and allows both country-inspired songs to sit comfortably on what is an overall indie album.

This track is the easiest to listen on the album and is the type of song which does not demand a lot from its listener and is one you can play with ease.

Nearing the end of the album you have psychedelic inspired track Waves. Amping up the energy again this track is full of jangly guitars and wonderfully paired vocal harmonies.

Much like its namesake the track rises and fall within its different sections and creates interesting dynamics which I feel we have not yet seen from The Loft Club. You can tell that the band feel confident creating and playing this type of song and I think it is a direction they continue with going forward.

Flicker which was cowritten by Lisa Loeb is the concluding track on Dreaming The Impossible. The track opens with a flourish of instrumentation that seems to have no bounds on its energetic capabilities.

Lisa Loeb’s vocals compliment Daniels well to make for a song that is fun. Their tones blend together extremely well and this is a partnership which you wouldn’t think to put together but you are glad it has happened.

With a sound that seems made for the big screen Flicker is a great conclusion for Dreaming The Impossible.

From start to finish Dreaming The Impossible has a big sound and well-constructed songs. The memorable choruses and hints of nostalgia make this album perfect for Britpop fans and those who love music from the 1960s.

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