(Group: DreamStates – Members: Natalie Grace Martin & Madeline Eckhart – Album: Sad Bad Happy Good – Release Date: April 20, 2019)

“The Joy of Tragedy”

Akron’s favorite transgender dynamic duo DreamStates (Natalie Grace Martin & Madeline Eckhart) are back with their fourth album of electro-pop goodness. Recorded between January and mid-March of this year in Wadsworth, Sad Bad Happy Good is an ode to the struggles of being trans, the search for love and a glaring reminder of the absolute importance of being happy.

The 12-track album opens with the infectious, high-energy singalong “The Pop.” It’s a linear cousin of Blink-182’s “The Rock Show,” filtered through the sensibilities of Billy Joel. “The Pop” is an example of DreamState at their sugary finest.

“Crying for Love” makes promises of a new—better—love for a lonely suitor.

“Impossible Me” is an exuberant celebration of self-affirmation. The protagonist reminds themselves of their strength and achievements during trying times.

“More Like Silence” is an 8-bit, techno example of DreamStates unerringly reliable ability to turn a beautiful phrase with haunting ease. (“We might never see the stars without the darkness.”)

“The Joy of Tragedy.” Both mature and comforting, “The Joy of Tragedy” ostensibly sums up the mission of the group. Martin and Eckhart strive to share the bliss and magnificence that can be achieved despite the often daunting reality of the current road to diversity.

It’s really hard not to like DreamStates. Even if pop isn’t necessarily your thing, there is a delightful witchery to the earnestness of their lyrics and their celebration of bravery in the face of any number of foes. The album is a peppy, poppy and bold reminder of the ever-present opportunity of, well, new possibilities.

The girls have proudly wrapped themselves with the cloak of being a voice of the transgender community, but to simply label them as such feels unfair. Their material is written both skillfully and broadly enough that it is relatable to any number of audiences. The pair have grown both lyrically and sonically during the last couple of years. Eckhart’s backing vocals and dactylic contributions seamlessly couple with Martin’s commanding presence both on and off the microphone. Each successive collaboration has felt more confident and polished.

Propelled by the momentum of Sad Bad Happy Good, DreamStates has a hectic summer ahead of them filled with high profile gigs in Cleveland, Kent and Canton. Additionally, they will be playing PorchRokr, Akron Pride and will be featured during a special evening at the Rialto Theatre (mere blocks away from the opulent Super No Bueno offices) on August 16. After that, back to the studios for album numero cinco.

It’s hard work being a modern woman.

For more information about upcoming releases or appearances, DreamStates can be found on Facebook, YouTube and Bandcamp.

-Ted Zep

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