‘Put your money where your mouth is’ is Dream Wife’s call to all of us to take ownership for our own beliefs and act upon them. So When You Gonna… is about taking action and not wasting time. The punk-rock band’s second album was produced by a team of women, something which shouldn’t have to be highlighted. But the reality is that in a male-dominated industry, this adds to the force of the trio in crafting an album truthful to what they advocate. 

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The reality is that in a male-dominated industry, this adds to the force of the trio

The album bursts alive with opening track ‘Sports!’ which is playful in nature. The self-directed video for ‘Sports!’ is an explosion of colour and as chaotic as the song. ‘Sports!’ is a testament to the energy of Rakel Mjöll (vocals), Alice Go (Guitar) and Bella Podpadec (bass). The liveliness of the song was inspired by their time spent playing sports after their tour in order to exert energy. There is a call to ‘never apologise’ for anything (that comes across as urgent as the guitar riff) which was one of their rules whilst playing. Dream Wife are urging you to find your strength. 

The album excels on ‘Hasta La Vista’. It addresses the inevitability of change and letting go of relationships, whilst remembering what was good at the time, ‘remember all the joy we gave.’ The song is a nod to the importance of the past, whilst questioning ‘how many ways to say goodbye.’ It is shortly followed by the track ‘Homesick,’ where Rakel Mjöll experiments with her vocal delivery, which gives the song it’s edge and intensity. 

Dream Wife shines light on women’s bodies and their rights. ‘Temporary’ is, as Dream Wife stated, ‘a song about having hope despite multiple waves of difficulties’ and an ode to their friend suffering several miscarriages. ‘With every loss how do you carry through’ highlights the resilience they see in their friend. The song raises awareness of the pain of a miscarriage which often goes unstated. The final song on the album, ‘After The Rain’ is a quietly powerful ode to women’s rights to abortion. The chorus is poignant as Mjöll asserts ‘It’s my choice, my life / It’s my will, my sacrifice.’ 

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There are several asides layered underneath Mjöll’s vocals commentating on the action in the song

There is a dreamy quality to many of the songs, particularly ‘Old Flame’, reflecting nostalgically on a former partner. ‘Hold On Me,’ additionally, has a captivating, ethereal melody. ‘So When You Gonna…’ is full of sharp contrasts and sees Dream Wife at their best; aggressive and unapologetic. Mjöll quickly gets to the point, the song opening with her shouting, ‘When you gonna kiss me?’ Dream Wife aren’t messing around. The guitar riff is frantic and builds in volume at points throughout the song before bursting into the chorus. There are several asides layered underneath Mjöll’s vocals commentating on the action in the song and it finishes with ‘too bad they were a bad kisser,’ which highlights Dream Wife’s comedic and satirical side also exhibited in ‘Sports!’. 

So When You Gonna… lacks the kick of the debut album which was recorded rapidly. There is a lull in the middle of the album when ‘Temporary’ is followed by ‘U Do U’ as Dream Wife exhibit their gentle side musically. Having said this, the themes are still explorative and current, which is ultimately the album’s strength. Dream Wife know what they want and what they stand for and they’re here to make a point of it, albeit softly at times. 

Rating: 7/10

So When You Gonna… is available now via Lucky Number Music Limited

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