AWAKE & DREAMING FIND BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS ON NEW ALBUM ‘INEVITABLE’
Some albums grip you from the first note. Others take their time, letting the music unfold at its own pace. Awake & Dreaming’s Inevitable fits comfortably into the latter camp, and that’s a strength. Throughout the record, the four-piece delivers a tasteful blend of atmospheric rock, dreamy melodies, bluesy undertones, and piano work so striking it’s a wonder more bands don’t make better use of those 88 keys.
With Sasha Kristoff’s captivating vocals leading the way, joined by Stefan Schneider, Phil Lee, and Ryan Dugal, Inevitable deserves your full attention, not just a listen while you're distracted by your phone. With so much happening beneath the surface, we dove in, track by track, to see what this talented foursome has created.
“I U Me” kicks off Inevitable with a gorgeous blend of Sasha Kristoff’s smooth vocals, delicate piano, and a steady drumbeat. The track eases in slowly, gradually gaining momentum before finding its groove halfway through. At just over five minutes, it’s a long opener, but nothing feels wasted, and every note feels purposeful. Kristoff’s vocals echo Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches, while the atmospheric instrumentation channels the emotional nuance of Lovedrug. Just when you think the song has revealed all its layers, the guitars burst in toward the end, adding rich, textured sounds that take the track to a whole new level. It’s a great payoff and a strong introduction to what promises to be a standout album.
“Rewire” arrives as the second track on Inevitable with a totally different energy than the opener. It’s rough, rugged, and feels tailor-made for a late-night whiskey. The whole track has a smoky quality. If smoke had a sound, it might be this. Gritty, blues-inspired swagger runs through it, with Stefan Schneider, Phil Lee, and Ryan Dugal locking in memorable grooves that give the song real backbone.
It’s the kind of tune that just fits a Saturday night in a dimly lit bar. Just when you’re getting comfortable, though, “Rewire” shifts gears, changing tone and key so suddenly it almost feels like a different song. The transition is a bit jarring, and we’re not totally convinced by it yet, but there’s something intriguing about it. This might be one of those tracks that grows on you with a few more listens.
Track three, “Old Ghosts,” is a song you really have to experience firsthand. Kristoff’s vocals and delicate piano take center stage, while the rest of the band provides a gentle, enveloping backdrop. It’s deeply comforting, and even at over six minutes, you might wish it lasted longer.
It’s the kind of song meant for crisp autumn afternoons, wandering through the streets with someone you care about, or maybe just yourself, with leaves crunching beneath your feet. The warmth and nostalgia in “Old Ghosts” are hard to describe, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s one of the album’s most moving moments, and it’s easy to imagine how powerful it would be live.
“Antidote” picks up the pace from the previous track but keeps the piano firmly in the mix, and we’re clapping our hands for that decision. There’s a definite Morcheeba and Zero 7 vibe here, especially in how the song leans into its minimalist roots without feeling the need to fill every empty space. The piano does much of the heavy lifting, while the rest of the instrumentation settles into a relaxed groove that’s easy to get lost in.
Things pick up a little as the track moves along, but don’t expect any dramatic twists or sudden explosions of sound. That’s not what “Antidote” is going for. It’s a slow burner that seems perfectly content doing its own thing, and we respect that. It may not grab you by the collar on the first listen, but give it time and you might find yourself coming back for another round.
Track five, “Cold Shoulder,” opens with a standout synth line and a simple, effective guitar part. The drums come in next, followed by Kristoff’s vocals, and that’s when the track really comes together. But the smooth organ in the background makes the biggest impression, adding vintage warmth without dominating the mix. It’s understated, but it’s key to the song’s success.
“Underwater” features a xylophone, a detail that instantly stands out. Beyond that, it offers some of the album’s best vocals. Sasha Kristoff shines, delivering a delicate yet captivating performance. The instrumentation is lovely, but Kristoff owns this song from start to finish.
“Lights Down Low” finds Kristoff’s vocals paired with both acoustic and electric guitars, creating another beautiful moment on Inevitable. The acoustic guitar brings a gentle warmth to the track, while the electric adds just enough texture to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight.
It’s got all the elements we’ve grown to love throughout this album: gorgeous vocals, thoughtful instrumentation, and a knack for making even the simplest arrangements feel special. By this point, Awake & Dreaming have clearly figured out what works for them, and “Lights Down Low” is another fine example.
The eighth track, “Can’t Sleep,” touches on something just about everyone can relate to: the longing to love and be loved in return. The lyrics feel genuinely vulnerable, with Kristoff delivering each line in a way that’s both comforting and a little heartbreaking. It’s another beautifully restrained piece from this talented foursome, who seem to have a knack for turning complicated emotions into something remarkably soothing. “Can’t Sleep” might be about restless thoughts and matters of the heart, but ironically, it’s the kind of song that could lull you into a peaceful night’s sleep.
“Faceless,” the album’s penultimate track, opens with a melancholic atmosphere before gradually building momentum. The arrangement feels cerebral, with each layer building on the last until the chorus arrives and lets the song shine. Lyrically, it tackles the strange loneliness of living in a world where everyone is connected yet nobody seems to be talking. You stare endlessly at screens, wander through a sea of people, and somehow feel completely alone.
It’s a painfully familiar reality, and “Faceless” captures that sense of isolation without beating you over the head with it. One of the album’s more thought-provoking moments, and certainly one of its most relevant.
“Event Horizon” closes out Inevitable with both glory and grace. What sounds like a church organ ushers in the album’s final moments, with Sasha Kristoff’s vocals floating beautifully above it. The result is absolutely stunning, with a grand, cinematic quality that wouldn't feel out of place in a Hans Zimmer film score.
There’s something almost cathedral-like about it, as if the music fills an enormous room with nothing but sound and emotion. No drums, no guitars, no unnecessary bells and whistles. Just Kristoff, that magnificent organ, and an atmosphere that feels larger than life. It’s a bold, stripped-back way to close an album, and we absolutely love that they went this route. Sometimes knowing when to leave everything else out makes the biggest statement.
With Inevitable, Awake & Dreaming have delivered a beautifully crafted album filled with lush instrumentation, gorgeous vocals, and plenty of unexpected musical turns. Sasha Kristoff shines throughout, while Stefan Schneider, Phil Lee, and Ryan Dugal provide the perfect musical foundation. These four musicians have real chemistry, and it shows in the way each song unfolds.
Not every moment lands perfectly, but that's hardly a dealbreaker. From the smoky, bluesy grooves of “Rewire” to the autumn warmth of “Holy Ghost” and the stunning simplicity of “Event Horizon,” there’s plenty here to sink your teeth into. The album knows when to build things up and, perhaps more importantly, when to pull everything back.
Inevitable doesn't need to scream for your attention. Its beauty lies in the little details, the subtle arrangements, and the moments that catch you off guard. Grab a good pair of headphones, pour yourself a stiff drink, and give this one a proper listen. We have a feeling you'll be coming back for more.
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