Waterpistol speak to generations with hazy debut ‘Living In A Dream’
In a track that is both timeless and of its time, Waterpistol gorgeously introduce their sincere blend of 90s shoegaze and 60s rock ‘n’ roll.
Photo: Iwan Lloyd
What happens when you blend the tonalities of 60s rock ‘n’ roll with the sharpness of 90s shoegaze? As Cardiff-based band Waterpistol have just proven, you get a song with one foot in the past and one in the present.
Their debut single Living in a Dream gorgeously captures that hazy but visceral feel that is so characteristic of late 20th century psychedelic rock. Yet at the same time, it expresses those feelings of detachment and isolation that are a common feature of the modern age – despite being penned by vocalist and guitarist Aaron Tormey as a tongue-in-cheek comment on experienced moments of psychosis: “You’re living in a dream / And nothing’s what it seems.”
The track’s lively guitar riff and driving rhythm section keeps the song faithfully moving forward from beginning to end, which works beautifully in contrast with the unwavering lead vocal to flawlessly reflect the feelings of disconnect that come to light while living in your own reality as the world keeps on spinning around you.
Given their relatively short lifespan — having only formed in late 2022 — its impressive that this rock ‘n’ roll six-piece have committed so fully to a sound from their very first breath. And that they have done so, so effortlessly.
Fuzzy and dreamlike in nature, it seems as though Waterpistol have given themselves a recognisable edge with their staunchly timeless sound. And so they’re sure to be a band that generations will fall in love with, despite the differences that can often get in the way.