Review: Subtopian Planning Board – Atrapasueños

Subtopian Planning Board released a new track yesterday called Atrapasueños. I’m not so gifted in the Spanish language department, so I turned to my old friend, Mrs Google. She kindly obliged and translated for me. Atrapasueños in English means dreamcatcher. Being the mischief-maker that she is on occasion, I double-checked with my Spanish pal Tony, who assures me that she is correct. Cheers lad!  

I vividly remember going through a dreamcatcher making phase when I was a kid. Old metal bangles (the more annoying the clanging when they bash together, the better), emergency sewing kit thread, beads that “just fell off” your mum’s favourite dress, and seagull feathers. Stick it all together, and Bob’s your beautiful, if not a bit dodgy, uncle.

Shout out to my mum, who taught me that all dreams fill the room at night, both good and bad, and dreamcatchers are hung above the bed to trap the evil little blighters. I still managed to have some scary-ass kid nightmares of monsters in the loft, so I’m not sure how well they worked, but I fully appreciate that the feeble construction may have hindered the magical process. All that aside, I had a listen to Atrapasueños, and it is indeed a dream and not one riddled with beasts. You can come out from under the covers. 

The Paisley-based Scots, who may or may not have Spanish connections, are a psychedelic, experimental alt-rock quartet ready to push some serious boundaries. Atrapasueños is only their second release, and I couldn’t quite believe that to be the case. This song is so beautifully complex. Layer upon eloquent layer of ambient, textured sound come together with gentle harmonies to create something pretty exciting. This is only the beginning for these guys, and I have to say, it’s a mighty good start. 

At the opening of Atrapasueños, atmospheric vibrations creep up on us and begin to mix with the punchy tribal beats and a high-hat hiss that carries us to Jennifer Leitch’s silky smooth vocals. I’m in love. Echoey guitar and synth are also welcomed to the wonderfully bizarre pyjama party. Hey you guys! Take a complimentary blanket and a cheeky margarita and have a lie-down. You’ve definitely earned it. 

On deeper inspection, back in the land of the awake and uncomfortable, I found the lyrics to be an interesting kind of sombre. I’m pretty sure they’re sad, but I feel so content listening to them. “Erase my thoughts, erase my soul, I’ve no identity”. Deep, and pretty harrowing, but it’s all good because it’s only a dream, right? Maybe keep that duvet to hand and get those dreamcatchers made, pronto.

Atrapasueños is out now, and we’re promised there will be a third track not too far behind it. We’ll be keeping our ears peeled. Anyway, it’s bedtime soon. I’m off to pluck some seagulls and check the loft. Night folks!