‘Secret Beach’ is an apt title for this, the debut full-length by Cardiff’s Pipedream. A slice of sun-kissed escapism, it’s a far cry from the miserable British winter and metropolitan bustle in which the trio currently find themselves. Instead the record transports to a shimmering beach, a beautiful sunset and isolated bliss. A veiled beauty over some more personally exposing lyrics.
Pipedream have found themselves sharing stages with a host of DIY punk outfits, despite their understated sound. It’s testament to their crossover appeal, in-part thanks to the complex instrumentation that underpins the sound with math-pop roots. Yet this is not imposing. Far be it from distracting from the musical holiday ‘Secret Beach’ provides.
Like Seahaven’s seminal ‘Reverie Lagoon…’, ‘Secret Beach’ retains a muted power that elevates it above simple chilled music. Ultimately though, this is one for long summer days, and hedonistic winter daydreams.
Available to purchase now via Dog Knights Productions, you can stream ‘Secret Beach’ exclusively below. We also asked the band to take us through the record, which you can read after the stream.
Brain Cell
This song is basically about the libido. Controlling āapparentā instinctive attractions with intellect and discipline. The word āAnimaā is repeated at the end of the song; in the philosophy of Carl Jung, the āAnimaā is known as the female part of the male psyche, concerned with thoughtfulness and introspection. I aspire to allow the anima to prevail over any stereotypical male traits.
Ami
This song is about an ex-girlfriend of mine. I couldnāt keep seeing her, because I felt my heart wasnāt in it completely. When we broke up, I couldnāt just sever the emotional link, because she is a true friend. Ami is french for friend. Weāve managed to remain friends, although itās been difficult and I wrote this song about the innocence and beauty that she possesses.
Through The Blinds
This song is essentially a narrative. A very boring narrative, but one I hoped would resonate with others who might feel similarly. It narrates my general thought process and introspection, which cycles and recycles with with no definite conclusion. A lot of the lyrics on this record weāre intended to inspire solidarity amongst listeners who might feel the same way. It talks about self teaching and a heuristic approach to learning, however this fails me in terms of feeling validation sometimes.
Pipedream
I wrote this song a long time ago. At the time of writing, we felt we weāre lending ourselves to a lot of people. Losing control of how our music would be released or generally compromising with other peoples ideas. Weāve always done our own artwork and previously our own recording, we just wanted to resume control over the only thing that is truly ours.
April Showers
This song is about revelling in nature and sunshine after a long winter. I love nature and there are some really naturally beautiful places in Wales. Occasionally, I remove myself from the grid lock that surrounds my house and take a walk through the parks of Cardiff. Harry and I grew up near a park called Cefn Onn. Itās about ten minutes walk away from where we used to live. Cefn Onn essentially means āIn the Ridge of Ash Treesā which we named the instrumental track on the album.
Run
This song is about time, or growing older. It was lyrically inspired by āOnce In A Lifetimeā by Talking Heads. I think itās vaguely about time constantly flowing and before you know it, the day is over, or the month, or year. The song stresses urgency (hence being called āRunā) to make the most of your time.
Secret Beach
This song describes being unable to express true feelings towards someone, and show them your true potential or character. It also deals with frustration instilled by these experiences which at the end of the day leads to escapism. The āSecret Beachā was supposed to be an imaginary escape, which everyone finds in some way or other. You escape your mundane, daily existence, in which you may feel inadequate or disenchanted, through music, art, drugs, etc. Perhaps to be compared with the twilight zone.
Imbalance
This song talks about vices; short term solutions to long term problems. And how we can succumb to darkness through these things. It also talks about strong feelings of inadequacy, depression, and being able to recognise and address those problems properly. Weāre all looking for something, I believe the only true way to happiness is to have no desire whatsoever, to no longer ask the questions that beg an answer to my existence.
The Black Lodge
This song is about the feelings associated with loss. About a two years ago, our drummer Harry was put into a coma for a week. The loss of loved ones is something everyone goes through, but never had I experienced such an intense and sure feeling of loss. I remember at the time realising that as we get older, these feelings of shock may become more frequent. During this time I wondered what it would be like without Harry to hang out and make music with. Itās the only thing that truly fulfils me. It was strange, the song is essentially about waiting in a ālimboā like place, or āthe black lodge,ā vaguely referencing Twin Peaks. A place where the future is uncertain and it feels like youāre in a dark waiting room. Thankfully, Harry made a full recovery and we were able to record this LP.