CD REVIEW: ‘Ashes Grammar’ creates hypnotic dreamscape

By Diana Nollen

“Dream pop,” “experimental noise-pop.”

Whatever you call the sound, A Sunny Day in Glasgow plays a deliciously warm tone bath just meant for soaking in.

The Philadelphia band of siblings and friends slips deliciously into its new CD, “Ashes Grammar,” on the wings of celestial voices and swirling synthesizers. A steady brush of percussion layered with ethereal instrumentals shatters the serenity on track 6, “Close chorus,” sending the vocals to the background before mixing the elements in equal strengths.

Track 7, “Shy,” is anything but. It's the boldest song, with crashing cymbals and snares and words that can almost be understood. That's not a slam - it's part of the band's hypnotic charm.

“Lights” invites you to the dance floor with pulsating rhythms and vocals before breaking into “Passionate introverts (Dinosaurs),” where you actually hear lyrics about lumbering behemoths. Wind chimes usher in a new, orbital mood for “West Philly vocoder,” which grows stronger and more relentless for “Evil, with evil, against evil.”

“The white witch” casts yet another spell, turning the spotlight on synthesizer before fading into light vocals.

It's all so poppy, in the best sense, with glorious moments of strings, organ, bass, floating vocals and noise harnessed into a new energy form - all painting a lovely dreamscape.

Immerse yourself in the intoxicating elixir Sunday night in Public Space One in the basement of the Jefferson Building in downtown Iowa City.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.sunnydayinglasgow.com

Title: “Ashes Grammar”

Artist: A Sunny Day in Glasgow

Label: Mis Ojos Discos

Performance: 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 

Where: Public Space One, 129 E. Washington St,. Iowa City

 Admission: $5