The Sixties are back in, and The Dream Machine are navigating the waters on their third album ‘Fort Perch Rock.  

New Brighton natives whose evocative lyricism is evident on every release, embody The Beach Boys on this album as insight is given by vocalist Zak McDonnell, “‘Things That Make Us Cry’ is me doing my best Phil Spector and Brian Wilson impression. It was recorded on an out of tune piano and a massive kettle drum that I think somebody found in a skip. It’s a total admittance and eventual acceptance that everything is falling apart.”

That DIY attitude is engrained as it was self-produced on both sides of the Mersey (which the album name was the last line of defence for both regions). Influences that stem from Dr Dre, Mac De Marco to The Shirelles show that they are here to create something unique and personal.

Can The Dream Machine steer through the tides, or will they sink?

Whizzing in like Dylan’s ‘Highway 61 Revisited’ the titular song has Cochran–esque vocals and guitars that slash through and an organ that belts away in the background.

New Wave bleeds from ‘Flowers on the Razor Wire’ with reverb heavy guitars and lyricism that would make David Byrne blush. Drumming acts as the canvas for the rest to paint over keeping it tight and secure.

Sombre words fall out of ‘Things That Make Us Cry’ with a gut punch straight away with “I don’t like you, but I think you’re nice” Female backing vocals acts as reassurance for the lead vocals as all will be alright. Piano acts as a guide through the intense times.

Ray Manzarek might as well be on the keys on ‘Angel Eyes’ as atmosphere is created with vigour. Nonsensical lyrics however, the idea of love is still emitted as seen by “I bit the head off a rat for you.” The guitars dance throughout offering pace.

A blues outlook is offered on ‘If I could be King’ with the silky guitar playing and lenient drumming. The chorus calls out for a lover whilst the acoustic guitar act as familiarity. The bass is underlying stalking out what they are trying to find.

Adrenaline pumps through ‘Duck Bone Fever’ as the drums pound away and the guitar spit venom from the strings. Echoing on the vocals make them massive and the piano occasionally being added is like when you add basil on top of your pasta, it’s not entirely needed but, it’s nice that it’s there.

‘If I had a Friend’ oozes Sixties with the haunting piano and Phil Spector like production. Beautiful harmonies and compelling guitar playing. Retro and unique at the same time.

Marijuana infused drumming kicks off ‘Joe’ and the guitars are more than happy to cooperate. The vocals yearn like a young Nutini whilst the backing vocals whistle through. An enclosed atmosphere is created as time is running out.

Like a glass of whisky, ‘Julia on the Rocks’ invites you in with the rampant rhythm section, before the vocals take control and hit the back of the throat. Guitars act as the guide through the unknown.

‘Night Owls’ offers an early Kasabian Space Rock sound, all the while, birds chirp away in the background. Frantic vocals that can’t catch a break and guitars trying to reach a place not yet found. Drumming acts as the anchor making sure it doesn’t all go haywire.

Nick McCabe inspired guitar playing is the backbone of ‘The First Bird’ which exudes psychedelia. Vocals that are permanently between a cry and a scream stalk through the soundscape. For an eight-minute song, it doesn’t lose your attention once and achieves the sensation of floating for the whole number.

An acoustic one to close out the album.  ‘Best Days Of Our Lives’ offers sentiment without being overindulgent. Lyrics are bittersweet but offer a sense of comfort before coming to abrupt stop.

‘Fort Perch Rock’ indulges us with a magnitude of genres from blues, 60’s pop to psychedelia without a drop in quality mastering each one. Personal and general at the same time. Every influence can be heard, but as a band they make it sound like they’re the first to do it.  Vocals are raw and full of emotion that must be envied.  The Dream Machine have shot and scored when making an album that could live in any era and not look out of place

The Dream Machine: Fort Perch Rock – Out 27 February 2026 (Run On Records)

Dream Machine – Things That Make Us Cry (Official) – YouTube