Atanaria
Eli & Fur’s Dreamscapes, though only their second album, shows the maturity of a duo who are now veterans of electronic music. Since the early 2000s, Eliza Noble and Jennifer Skillman have released EPs and singles that established their reputation for evocative, moody electronica. This album, following their debut Found in the Wild (2021), builds on their lush, introspective soundscapes, this time themed around the transformative space between dusk and dawn.
Dreamscapes is steeped in a nocturnal vibe, each of its 15 tracks crafting a shadowy ambiance with soft yet intricate beats, minimalist synths, and meticulous production that layers sound into a sort of “wee-hours” spell. Noble and Skillman’s vocals play a major role in creating this vibe. They sing in hushed, sultry tones, often harmonizing to build an almost dreamlike intimacy.
While Dreamscapes has plenty of tracks that would fit perfectly in a late-night set, it goes beyond club-ready cuts. Songs like “Heart Made of Glass” and “Cold Confetti” use dynamic vocals and rhythm to create a hypnotic pull, pairing danceable energy with an ethereal softness that’s as haunting as it is catchy. Eli & Fur have a knack for hooks, keeping even the most atmospheric tracks accessible and memorable.
Yet, despite the expertly crafted mood, Dreamscapes has its limitations. Many tracks feel almost too controlled, too calculatedly sensual, resulting in a beautiful but somewhat distant experience. There’s atmosphere to spare, but not always something truly resonant beneath it. The lyrics often gesture at themes of vulnerability and relationship struggles but in ways that feel generic rather than deeply personal. Lines like “I’ve got a heart made of glass / And I want you to break it” on “Heart Made of Glass,” or the familiar longing in “Monsters” (“I can’t fight these monsters alone”), verge on cliché, lacking emotional depth in their delivery.
Musically, most tracks follow a familiar EDM formula: a gradual build leading to a powerful drop. Though Eli & Fur aim to transcend a standard club sound, this formula can make the album feel a bit predictable. An exception, “Oceanside,” breaks this mold but ends up falling flat as a simple, ballad-like outlier.
Nonetheless, Dreamscapes has an undeniable allure. Noble and Skillman’s attention to production detail, combined with their talent for creating seductive, immersive soundscapes, makes this album captivating. Like a warm, relaxing bath, Dreamscapes is an album to sink into. However, once immersed, you may find yourself either lulled into a meditative state or drifting off from its soothing yet slightly repetitive tone. For fans of moody, atmospheric electronica, Dreamscapes offers a rewarding, if somewhat surface-level, listening experience.
