Johnny Lloyd - Dreamland EP

It was our first ever post as REVIVAL. that told you it was time to get excited about Johnny Lloyd's debut solo EP, 'Dreamland'; and boy, weren't we right.

After what felt like an extremely abundant time tucked away in the studio, Dreamland was finally unveiled on Friday (June 10th). Produced by Hugo White of The Maccabees & Jamie T, you'd quite rightfully be expecting something special; but never fear, Johnny has delivered, and in emphatic fashion. It's a four song EP; 'Pilgrims', 'Happy Humans', title track 'Dreamland' and 'Hello Death', so let us begin by dissecting it from its very beginning.

Now, if you've followed Johnny's journey since the break-up of Tribes you may well have heard this track before. Its demo was first unearthed on Soundcloud in 2014, and even earned itself a play on BBC Radio 1; but now following some extensive work in the studio alongside fellow characteristic minds, Johnny has given 'Pilgrims' that little more umph that, let's be honest, we didn't even realise it lacked. Now supported with a soulful groove, there's a new-found real air of funk to this track; like a ballad for disjointed lovers, it could really hit you in the feels.

'Happy Humans' is again, another re-worked demo; which like Pilgrims, has been graced with that little more pizazz than it originally possessed. Its lyrics compared to Pilgrims though are far more on the cheerful side, "Happy humans in love!" Johnny yarns as he glides his way through a chilled out, heart-warming and peace-fuelled love song.

Onto the title track, 'Dreamland'; and what an ode to the EP this is, and that's not only in name. Oozing chills, it's engaging; smooth and calm yet epic at the same time. Kind of reverting to his roots, it offers a real Pilgrims demo feel; it's not overworked, because it doesn't need to be. "Come take my hand, and walk with me through my dreamland" Lloyd requests; yes, if its anything like the song, then happily Johnny, happily.

Last of all, it's the track that got us all so excited in the first place; 'Hello Death'. Probably the most vibrant on the EP, it offers something different. Whilst reverting back to the negatives in lyrical terms, Johnny really ups his game elsewhere. It builds and builds from the very off; haunting "Ooh's" in its shadow coincide with the raw and cutting edge guitars that engage as the track reaches its explosive climax; coincidentally summarising the EP perfectly.

As you can quite evidently tell, I really like this EP; and I sure hope it propels Johnny's name into the more mainstream media, as for someone to take such care on four tracks like this, their music deserves to be heard by the masses.

Buy 'Dreamland' via iTunes here: itunes.apple.com/dreamland-ep