Wallows Toss and Turn in the Lovelorn "Bad Dream"


Photo: Aidan Zamiri

Alt-rock darlings Wallows are once again captivating their fans with a sneak peek into their highly-anticipated third studio album, Model. Their latest single, "Bad Dream," is a testament to their unique sound, blending shimmering guitars and introspective lyrics to create a dreamy and optimistic sonic landscape that is unmistakably Wallows.

"Bad Dream" opens with foreboding yet fantastical piano riffs and a booming bass drum that looms in the back of the mix. Layers of grooving bass and guitar lines, crisp high hats, and nostalgic vocals paint a picture of a troubled, sleepless night shared between lovers. The track's narrator, Braeden Lemasters, wonders about the cause of his partner tossing, turning, and grinding their teeth in their sleep.

In the dreamy hook, the singer and guitarist asks his lover in their sleep if they're having a bad dream, crooning over the warm production, "I wanna wake you, but you won't let me." He wants to save his significant other from the uncertain things in their relationship but can't seem to do so. He anguishes over the uncertain outcomes and fears the possibility of hurting one another, with the song exploring the misgivings of a new relationship and how much communication matters, especially as problems arise down the line.

"Bad Dream" is the latest addition to the narrative of Model, following the release of the upbeat, Mercereau-co-written' "Your Apartment" and the ethereal "Calling After Me. "Your Apartment" is a summery, upbeat track that depicts a newly forming relationship growing in secret, while "Calling After Me" delves into the toxicity and rush of infatuation and secrecy. The band will also embark on the biggest global tour of their career alongside indie-pop phenom BENEE, starting later this summer.

Listen to "Bad Dream" below:

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