There was a time when concept albums were all the rage in the big bad world of rock music. There was a time when such albums would hit the shelves in gatefold textured sleeves so that the people of those times could ponder the meaning of the enclosed concoction of theatricality and power chords. Those days may be gone but the concept album lives on with “Welcome To Dreamland” by Church Burglars serving to promote the benefits of listening all the way through to the end.
Whilst this is, in many ways, an old school approach, Church Burglars - Chris Dee, Bobby Weiss, Connor Hart and Mike Foltz – aren’t just another rock band stuck in the past. There is indeed an overture and intermission in the track listing but “Welcome To Dreamland” is more than just an hour of guitar pyrotechnics and drum solos with the story in these songs being decorated with musical influences from times other than the seventies. These aren’t, by any means, three minute pop songs either and, while they have, for the most part, the legs and heart to keep the listener onside, it is the overall coherence that, whilst again old school, will resonate most with a more mature audience and duly engage their ears. Naturally, as this is a rock album, the guitars abounds where the guitars should abound yet it is the dramatic intent found in the vocals that actually holds this ship on a steady course towards redemption.
Somewhat casually paced, as such albums should be, “Welcome To Dreamland” deserves your attention especially if your attention span exceeds the three minute mark and you are looking something that can do more than simply fill your ears with sugar.