Review by Austin Sher

In classic Jeff Rosenstock fashion, NO DREAM was released last week with no hint of an album on the way, and that’s the way we’d like to see all future releases. Bare with us for a review of the punk rocker’s latest LP.

Let’s begin by saying this album is not for the faint of heart and may potentially be polarizing to those who aren’t familiar with the sound or style. With that being said, strap in because it’s always nice to try something new! Rosenstock opens up NO DREAM with a little taste of what’s to come on NO TIME. I feel as if it’s a subtle reminder of alluding to things are about to get loud and personal, so get ready.

The opening stretch really from NO TIME to State Line is Rosenstock at his finest. It’s loud, abrasive, and hits in all the ways I’d want a punk album to hit me in the year 2020. Coming from the man himself, “It comes at a time of unparalleled chaos and confusion, division, and despair”. Well, he’s for sure not wrong. Considering the times we’re living in, the lyrics certainly reflect the unprecedented times we’re all attempting to stumble through. When music like this is released though, the loudness overtakes our invasive thoughts that we’re unfortunately stuck with. It’s semi pleasing to be honest.

Moving on, the 13 song and 40 minute album seems compact as each song comfortably flows from one to the other. As minorly similar the music sounds, after repeated listens it becomes quite simple to pick favorites. We’re certainly partial Leave It In The Sun, Old Crap, and of course the album closer, Ohio Tpke. Needless to say, if it hasn’t been clear enough, we’re fans of the record and will support Jeff until the end.

The best thing about these surprise releases is that they give no ability to form expectations. You can’t be disappointed in something you haven’t been looking forward to awhile, especially a highly anticipated follow up to 2018’s POST-. NO DREAM becomes so much better because we didn’t have time to consider what it would be and we just let it happen. Honestly, let’s hope this becomes industry standard. 

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