album: If You're Dreaming - Anna Burch

There’s an unspoken journalism rule that you shouldn’t insert yourself into reviews, but during this time, when every day is literally a mess and so much is uncertain, it feels as if rules were made to be broken. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been unable to truly lose myself in music like I used to. It’s obvious why, but I haven’t truly connected with something in a long time — my mind wanders, my heart races, everything is still waiting for me when its over. That all changed the moment I heard If You’re Dreaming from Anna Burch for the first time.

Even on her debut album, Burch had an intrinsic quality of invitation. Her music radiates with a soft warmth and intimacy, luring you into this beautiful world that’s so unlike anything else we’re currently experiencing. That again proves true of her music on If You’re Dreaming, a lush, beautifully cinematic release that has Burch embracing a universal songwriting approach that proves to be more invitational and experimental than ever. There’s hints of a new identity for the performer here; folded in the softness, the off-kilter guitar work, and tangible nods to acoustic indie pop of the same nature is an artist breaking her own rules and shaking off any ideals you once formed about her work.

Leading up to this album, Burch had created an entire universe for her songs with the release of accompanying music videos, and that talent for crafting a world for the listener to get lost in is made all the more evident with the entire release.

Opening with the lush warmth of “Can’t Sleep,” listeners are immediately reminded of just how truly charming the music of Burch can be. From there, we’re only welcomed further into Burch’s beautiful creation. “Jacket” is a single of slinky mystery. Against a backdrop of ringing strings and unhurried instrumentals, Burch shares a heartbreaking stream of thoughts, contemplating whether a left behind item of clothing means something much to more a partner. “Go It Alone” is forlorn and filled with twang, while “Tell Me What’s True” is sweet, but simple, relying on the sound of playful keys to soundtrack a single centered on necessity and uncertainty that features an unexpected flourish in its finish.

We’re living in our own uncertain and even hellish times, but If You’re Dreaming peels all that away, and for one brief moment, one can close their eyes and escape. Feeds crammed with bad news will still be waiting for you on the other side, but If You’re Dreaming is the softest reminder that eventually, maybe even slowly, all will be right again.